Syr Gawayne; a collection of ancient romance-poems, by Scotish and English authors, relating to that celebrated Knight of the Round Table, with an introduction, notes, and a glossary

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A COLLECTION

ANCIENT ROMANCE-POEMS,

SCOTISH AND ENGLISH AUTHORS,

RELATING TO THAT CELEBRATED

WITH

AN INTRODUCTION, NOTES, AND A GLOSSARY.

By SIR FREDERIC MADDEN, K.H.,

F.R.S., F.S.A., M.R.I.A., Corr. F.S.A.E., &c.
KEEPER OF THE MSS. IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM.

LONDON:

PRINTED BY RICHARD AND JOHN E. TAYLOR.

M.DCCC. XXXIX.

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At a Meeting of the Committee of the Bannatyne
Club, held at Edinburgh in the Hall of the Antiquarian
Society, on Monday the 29th of August, 1836 :

Resolved,
That a Volume intitled && (SarMptte, A Collection of
Ancient Romance-Poems by Scotish and English Authors,
relating to that Celebrated Knight of the Round Table,
be printed at London, for the use of the Members, under the
superintendence of Sir Frederic Madden, K.H.

DAVID LAING,
Secretary.

' _ *

*

*

•

0

• * *

THE BANNATYNE CLUB.

AUGUST, M.DCCC.XXXIX.

THOMAS THOMSON, ESQ.

PRESIDENT.

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INTRODUCTION.

IN collecting for the first time the various Scotish and English
poems relating to one of the most celebrated Knights of the
Round Table, it might seem desirable to examine critically the
sources whence the history of his exploits has been derived. But
the subject is of such vast extent, is involved in so much obscu-
rity, and, moreover, has been discussed with such conflicting
theories and assertions, that the limits I here propose to myself
will only allow me to state in succinct terms the conclusions
which, after a long course of reading, I have arrived at.

The inquiry divides itself into two branches, closely connected
together ; the first of which embraces the question of the antiquity
of Welsh or Armorican traditions, and the share of Geoffrey of
Monmouth in the compilation of the far-famed Brut ; the second
includes the history of the ponderous French prose Romances of
the Round Table, their authors, and the period of their composi-
tion. With regard to the former, it is impossible, I think, for any
one, who is not prejudiced, to read the arguments of Ellis, Price,
De la Rue, and the Author of " Britannia after the Romans," with
the testimonies produced, and not to admit, that previous to the
time of Geoffrey a mass of popular traditions relating to Arthur and
his chivalry must have existed, and was circulated first by the na-
tive bards, and afterwards by the Anglo-Norman minstrels.

b

x INTRODUCTION.

On these traditions the earliest Prose Romances appear to have
been subsequently based, the materials for which were arranged,
embellished, and enlarged by the imagination and invention of the
various compilers. It is true that these writers are unanimous in
referring to a Latin original, from which they profess to translate;
and although the existence of such a work is called in question by
Ritson, Scott, and Southey, yet I am not prepared altogether to
deny it*. But setting this aside, it appears to me, after a some-
what laborious perusal of the printed editions of these works,
compared with existing manuscripts, that they must have been
compiled in the following order. — 1. The Roman du Saint Graal,
sometimes intitled the Roman de Joseph d'Arimathie, composed by
Robert de Borron. In the printed editions this is called the first
part of the Saint Graal. 2. The Roman de Merlin, by the same.

3. The Roman de Lancelot du Lac, composed by Walter Mapf.

4. The Roman du Qudte du Saint Graal, by the same. In the
editions this forms the second part. 5. The Roman de la Mort
Artus, by the same, and originally distinct, but in the printed
editions united to the Lancelot. 6. The first portion of the Ro-
man de Tristan, by Luces, Seigneur de Gast. 7. The conclusion of
Tristan, by Helie de Borron ; and 8. The Roman de Gyron le
Courtois, by the same. Of these the first six were written in the

* Southey writes, " I do not believe that any of these Romances ever existed in Latin. —
By whom or for whom could they have been written in that language ? " Pref. to Morte
a" Arthur, p. xvi. I merely stop to reply, that it is not more unreasonable to suppose a Latin
work should have existed on the exploits of Arthur than on those of Charlemagne. I may
also add, for the information of those whom it may concern, that I have myself read no less
thankee Latin romances still existing in manuscript, some of which are of considerable length.
Three of these relate to Arthur, Meriadoe, Gau-ayne, and other British heroes ; the fourth
is the original of Chaucer's Tale of Constance ; and the fifth is the Knight of the Swan.

t This is the mode in which his name is spelt in the ancient MSS. of the Romances, and
it thus appears in an original charter preserved in the Cotton collection, by which he grants
to Aunfelisa and her son John twelve acres of land in Wilesdune, part of his prebend of
Mapesburv, co. Middlesex. Among the witnesses to this charter is " Filippo Map,nepote meo."

INTRODUCTION. xi

latter half of the twelfth century, and the remainder in the first
half of the thirteenth. To these must be added the metrical ro-
mances composed by Chrestien deTroyes, between the years 1170
and 1195, as also the later prose compilations of Rusticien de
Pise and his followers, in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries.

Having thus, I trust, successfully pointed out a clue to the
labyrinth in which all our writers on early poetry have lost them-
selves, I shall proceed to consider the history, character, and ex-
ploits assigned to our Hero §j>J)C (SatOajNlP in this phalanx of
romance authorities ; the utility of which in illustrating the Ar-
thurian cycle of fiction will be admitted, perhaps, as a sufficient
excuse for the space it may occupy.

Our attention is naturally directed in the first place to the re-
mains of the Welsh bards, but from those at present extant we
learn but little. In the Triads we find Gwalchmai, the son of
Gwyar, (who is identified with the Walwainus or Galwanus of
Geoffrey and the Gauvain of the Anglo-Norman romancers,) re-
corded as one of the three golden-tongued or eloquent chiefs,
whose persuasion none could resist ; and in another passage, he
is named as one of the three chiefs most courteous to strangers and
guests*. There is extant also a dialogue between Gwalchmai
and Trystanf, and some of his adventures are preserved in the
Red Book of Hergest, in Jesus College, Oxford, but I should ap-
prehend that all of these have been borrowed from the Anglo-Nor-
man romance-writers}. Certain it is, that the stories in the Ma-

* Thus also in the Roman de Meliadus, when Arthur and his knights are out riding, a
stranger comes up, and inquires for the king. — " Et messire Gauvain, qui estoit nouvel chevalier
a celluy temps, qui estoit si debonaire et si eourtois a toutes ehoses, que de sa courtoisie alloient
parlant les estranges et les privez, respondit, ' Ouy, sire, veez le la;' et luy monstra le roy
Artus." f. rvb, fol. ed. 1528.

t Printed at length in Lady C. Guest's edition of the Mabinogion, pt. i. p. 118, 8vo, 1839.

* Leland says in his Assertio Arthuri, " Melchinus, vates Britannicus, Gallovini celebrat
nomen." Collectan., v. 24 ; and Bale adds, that this Melchin wrote De Arthuri mensa rotunda.

b2

Xli INTRODUCTION.

binogion referred to by Owen and others as proofs of the antiquity
of the British traditions respecting Gawayne, are only translations
of the Chevalier an Lion and the Perceval le Gallois. Turning there-
fore to Geoffrey of Monmouth, whose history was finished about
the year 1138*, and, consequently, at least twenty years earlier
than the presumed date of any Anglo-Norman romance on the
Round Table, we collect the following particulars.

Walwainus was the eldest son of Loth, sovereign of the province
of Lothian and the adjacent territories, including the Orkneys,
by Annaf, half-sister of Arthur. At the age of twelve years he
was sent by his uncle to Rome, and delivered to the charge of
Pope Sulpicius, from whom he received knighthoodj. The next
mention of him occurs as one of the chiefs who accompanied
Arthur to France, to encounter the Romans. He is sent§ with
two others to treat with the emperor Lucius Tiberius, and pur-
posely, to provoke a war, he cuts off the head of the emperor's
nephew. In the decisive battle which shortly afterwards took
place near Langres, he held with Hoel the joint command of the
fourth division of Arthur's forces, and his prowess contributed

See what is said of his work on Glastonbury by the former, De Scriptt. Britannicis, vol. i.
p. 41 ; and compare Collectanea, iv. 153, with the work of John of Glastonbury, published
by Hearne, 8vo, 1726, vol. i. pp. 30, 55.

* See Dr. Lloyd's letter to Price, in Owen's British Remains, 8vo, 1777- The author of
" Britannia after the Romans," never could have read this, although he refers to it, and he
is much mistaken, p. 21, in asserting that Sigebert of Gemblou, who died in 1112, was ac-
quainted with Geoffrey's History, and thus confounding Sigebert with his interpolator. For
Sigebert's genuine text see the edition of Miraeus, 4to, Antv. 1608.

+ Ellis says, that according to the chronicles of Brittany, Anna was married to Budic,
king of Armorica, and her sister united to Loth. Metr. Rom. i. 59,ed. 1811. In the English
metrical Arthour and Merlin Gawayne's mother is named Belisent, p. 97, 4to, 1838, and in
Malory's Morte d' Arthur, she is called Margawse, i. 4. 4to, 18 17.

X This passage is singularly misunderstood by Fordun, lib. 3, c. 25.

§ Wace, Lajamon, and Robert of Brunne add, that the cause of his being selected was that
from his education at Rome he understood both the Latin and the British tongues.

INTRODUCTION. xiii

mainly to the victory. He fights with the emperor single-handed,
but they are separated by the surrounding combatants, and in the
melee the latter is slain. After this succeeds the history of
Mordred's treason, the return of Arthur, and the destruction of
his Round Table.

The translators and imitators of Geoffrey have altered and
amplified the above outline, but the general features remain the
same. Wace has mistaken one passage in Geoffrey, and says
that Gawayne arrived from Rome to assist Arthur in his expedi-
tion to Norway*; and this interpretation is followed by Lajamon
and Robert of Brunne. The passage in the latter is hitherto in-
edited, and may therefore be quoted here.

Loth sone, Syr Wawan,
Had bene at Rome to lere Romayn,
W* Suppliee the pape to wonne,
Honour to lere, langage to konne.
Ther was he dubbid knyght,
And holden hardy, strong and wight.
Syr Suppliee had don his ende,
To Bretayn home Wawan gan wende.
Noble he was and curteis,
Honour of him men rede and sets ;
He lufed mesure and fair beryng,
Pride ne boste lufed he no thing ;
Fals and fikele lesyng he hated,
Auauntour alle suilk he bated ;
More he gaf than he hette,
More he did than terme of-sette.

MS. Liner Temple, No. 511, l.f. 63, c. 2.

Throughout the Brut, Gawayne is uniformly eulogised in simi-
lar terms, and placed first on the list of the Round Table, — a su-

* Roman du Brut, ii. "9, 8vo, Rouen, 1839. Ellis also commits the same error, and in-
creases it by saying, that Gawayne was invested with arms by Arthur. Metr. Rom. i. 65.

XIV INTRODUCTION.

periority indeed which in that work there were no Lancelots or
Tristans to dispute. His adventures are, however, confined to the
circle already described, and contain so small a share of the mar-
vellous, that they might easily have been accepted as grave
matter of history.

It is to the authors, therefore, of the prose legends of the Round
Table we must look for the invention or preservation of those nu-
merous romantic narratives which record the exploits of Gawayne
and his fellows on a more ample canvass, and clothe them with a
character purely imaginative.

In the earliest of these, the Roman du Saint Graal, sometimes
called the Roman de Joseph d' Arimathie, the knights of the Round
Table are not commemorated, since it relates more particularly to
the history of the Holy Vessel, and to the fabulous descendants
of Joseph, in whose hands the miraculous relique remained, until
its arrival in Britain.

The second on the list is Merlin, which perhaps is the most cu-
rious of the series, and best intitled to be considered a compila-
tion founded on Armorican or Welsh traditions. In this we re-
cognise the Gawayne of Geoffrey, but with such additions to his
history, and such a marvellous character given to his exploits, as
to render him the chief personage in the romance. The writer
exhausts all his powers of language in praise of the valor, courtesy,
and knightly bearing of the prince of Orkney: — " Car le compte
dit, que ce fut le plus saige chevalier en toutes choses qui fust au
siecle, et le mieulx aprins, et le plus courtois, et le moins mesdisant
d' aultruy*." At the period of his birth Merlin pronounces his
eulogium to Arthur, as destined to be one of the best and most
loyal knights in the world. At an early age he comes with his
three brothers to assist the British monarch in his war against the

* Vol. ii. f. 51h, ed. 1498, 4to.

INTRODUCTION. XV

Saxons, who were then ravaging the kingdom, and after a series
of sanguinary battles succeeds in expelling them. On account of
his prowess he is made a knight of the Round Table, and ap-
pointed by Arthur constable* of his household, and the next of rank
to himself. After this he is employed in an expedition against
king Claudas of Gaul and his Roman allies, whom he defeats with
immense slaughter. At a later period of the history he is em-
ployed against the Roman emperor, and the narrative here is
nearly similar to that of Geoffrey. In one MS. I have consulted,
it is stated that Gawayne slew the emperor with his own handf,
and it is singular, that Peter de Langtoft should preserve this tra-
dition, as expressed by his translator, Robert of Brunne,

I kan not say who did him falle,

Bot Syr Wawayn said thei alle — f. 80bJ.

The most surprising adventure of our hero in this romance is
related at the close, in which he goes in search of his friend
Merlin to the forest of Broceliande, which is cited at length by
Southey, in his Notes to the Preface of Morte d' Arthur, p. xlvi.
It is in this work we also find the first mention of the supernatural
strength of Gawayne, which augmented and diminished at differ-
ent hours of the day. In the English metrical translation it is
thus described :

For of his strengthe the maner
Sumdel ye may lern and here.
Bituen auen-song and night
He no hadde bot o mannes might,

* MS. Add. 10, 292, f. 151b. The printed edd. for conneslablie read moictie.

t Ibid. f. 209. The printed ed. vol. ii. f. 154, follows the account of Geoffrey, but in
a previous passage, vol. ii. f. 24, names the emperor Julius Ctesar, and says he was slain by
Gawayne. This, however, is not in the MS., and seems to be an interpolation.

J See the original French text, MS. Cott. Jul. D. V. f. 39.

xvi INTRODUCTION.

And that strengthe him last

Fort arnemorwe, bi the last ;

And frani arnemorowe to the midday

He had strengthe of knightes tuay ;

Fram midday fort after-none

He nadde strengthe bot of one ;

Fram afternone to euensong

So to knightes he was strong*.

In the Lancelot du Lac, the next of the series, we are intro-
duced to another race of heroes and a different set of adventures,
connected only with the Merlin by the history of the war under-
taken against King Claudas, and an incidental notice of the
Saxons, as enemies of Arthur. Of course Lancelot is here the
principal personage, and his intrigue with Queen Guenever the
main-spring of the story, yet we find Sir Gawayne only inferior
to Lancelot himself, and on some occasions the writer seems to
have balanced between the two. Throughout the greater part of
the romance they are represented as being the most intimate
friends, and it is only after the blind fury of Lancelot has sacri-
ficed three of Gawayne's brothers, that the latter entertains senti-
ments of hostility against their destroyer. He vows vengeance,
and the result is the war undertaken by Arthur against the

* Romance of Arthour and Merlin, 4to, 1838, p. 178, printed for the Maitland Club. I
am sorry to perceive the text of this edition abound with so many errors. It is in general
closely translated from the French romance, and concludes imperfectly at fol. cc. of vol. i. of
the edition of 1498. In the original the above passage appears thus, " Quant il se levoit au
matin, il avoit la force al millor chevalier del monde ; et quant vint a eure de prime, si li dou-
bloit, et a eure de tierce ausi ; et quant ce vint a eure de midi, si revenoit a sa premiere force,
ou il avoit este au matin ; et quant vint a eure de nonne, et a toutes les eures de la nuit, estoit il
toudis en sa premiere force." MS. Add. 10,292, f. 113b. Compare this passage in the
printed edition, vol. i. f. cxiv. and corresponding passages in the Roman de Lancelot, vol. i.
f. xciiib., vol. ii. f. lxix., vol. iii. f. clxxxvii., ed. 1513., (where there is a fable introduced to
account for the miraculous gift) ; Roman de Perceval, ff. liiib., lxb. ed. 1530 ; Malory's Morte
a" Arthur, vol. i. p. 114, and the English metrical version, MS. Harl., 2252, f. 120''.

INTRODUCTION. xvii

knight of the Joyeuse Garde*, which ends in the discomfiture of
Gawayne, and ultimately in his death. The quest of the Saint
Graal by Arthur's knights forms a novel incident in the narra-
tive, and connects the story with Robert du Borron's first work.
Among those whose exploits are recorded in this quest, Sir Ga-
wayne's name is one of the most prominent, and although, like
Lancelot, he is not destined to achieve the adventure, yet he
succeeds in reaching the magic castle of the guardian of the
Holy Vessel, and witnesses the marvels which ensue on his rest-
ing upon the lit adventureuxf. His deeds of valor against King
Gallehault's forces and elsewhere are so extraordinary, that Ar-
thur orders them first to be recorded by his four veracious chro-
niclers, among whom Arrodian of Cologne is mentioned {. The
estimation also in which he was held at the court is shewn by
his being elected unanimously king in the place of Arthur, on
the disappearance and supposed death of that monarch. Of the
episodes relating to him, those of his adventure with his amie,
the daughter of the king of North Wales, and the history of his
captivity in the prison of the giant Karados, are perhaps the
most interesting. In the former we are told that the lady's
chamber was guarded by twenty armed knights. These however
at night fall asleep very opportunely, and Gawayne is enabled
without resistance to reach his mistress's apartment. He takes

• On the subject of this castle (placed by English poetical antiquaries at Berwick) see a
curious paper in the Memoires de la Societe des Antiquaires de France, vol. x. p. 237, 8vo,
1834, intitled, "Mi-moire sur le Chateau de la Joyeuse Garde, sur la riviere d' Elorn, pres
Landerneau, Department du Finisthre. Par le Chevalier de Freminville."

f In the Roman de Perceval, f. xxxixb, the incident of the enchanted bed is repeated, but
under different circumstances. It forms the subject of an ivory carving engraved in the
Man. de I'Acad. des Inscriptions, vol. xviii. p. 322, 4to, 1753, and in Ferrario, Analisi degli
Romanzi di Cavalleria, vol. ii. p. 101, which is unintelligible to the writers.

I Vol. i. f. cxliiib. One might forgive the writer in the Bibliothique des Romans for be-
lieving in the historical reality of these personages (See Dunlop's Hist, of Fiction, i. 295) ;
but it is matter of sincere regret to find so gross a blunder sanctioned by the name of
Daunou, in the Hist. Litt. de la France, tome xvi. p. 177.

C

xviii INTRODUCTION.

off his helmet and ventaille, and approaching the bed where the
beauty lay asleep, begins to kiss her. She awakes, and exclaims,
" Saincte Marie ! qui est ce?" He replies, " Taisez vous, belle
doulce amye, c'est la chose au monde que vous aimez mieulx." The
lovers speedily contrive to make themselves happy, but the old
king and queen are on the watch, and by means of a window
that faces the chamber, perceive Gawayne lying in their daugh-
ter's arms. They determine to kill him, and call two chamber-
lains, who arm themselves with a sword and mace, and come to
the bed. The first makes a stab at the knight under the coun-
terpane, but the cold steel only grazing his arm, he is aroused to
a sense of his danger. The other intending to demolish him at
once, strikes a blow with the mace so violently, that although it
misses its object, it penetrates half a foot into the wall, and
shivers in pieces ! Gawayne now loses no time, but jumping out
of bed, rewards the two assailants by knocking out their brains,
and then throwing their bodies out of the room, quietly locks the
door, which he seems to have before forgotten to do. He then
puts on his armour, and, encouraged by his mie, awaits the at-
tack of the twenty guards, who come to the door and kick at it,
whilst the old queen stands aloof, and cries out to them, " As-
saillez, filz de putains, que f aides vous, que ne occiez le traystre qui
leans est ! " Gawayne, however, escapes, leaving behind him
many dead bodies as testimonies of his prowess ! In the course of
this romance the author presents us with a portrait of Gawayne,
which I quote from an early MS. in the Royal Library, 19 B. vn.
f. 246, as being fuller than the edition. " Messire G. avoit la
chere simple fy debonaire, et la regardure pitouse. E il fust voirs,
que messire G. estoit li plus beus de tous ses freres en graundure
de cors. — II est voirs, que mesire G. fuist li emplius* de tous ses
freres, 8f fuist beu chevalier de son grant, 8f Men tattle's de totes

* The corresponding passage in MS. Add. 10, 293, f. 250, col. i. reads li mieldres.

INTRODUCTION. xix

membres ; ne se fu trop grant ne trop petis, mes de bele stature ; si
fu liplus chevaleros de son age que nus de se[s] freres ; Sf nepur quant
li estoire dit, que Galleries se[s] frere souffrit Men pres ausi grant fes
des armes come il fist, mes il ne s'en mist oncques si grant cure com
messire G. fist tous jours, 8f puree ne fuist pas si renomez. Et
noepurquant la chose qu'il plus mist monseignor G. en remenbrauncs,
sifu qu'il ama povre gent, Sf lor fu dolz fy pitous*."

We next come to the Quite du Saint Graal, often confounded
with the History of the Graal. It is intended as a continuation of
the Lancelot, and was certainly composed subsequently to that
romance, as the internal evidence demonstrates. The persons
here celebrated are Perceval, Gawayne, Lancelot, and his son
Galaad, by the last of whom the adventure is finally brought to
an end. The exploits of Gawayne in pursuing the grand object
of their search are marked, as in the two preceding romances, by
a singular love of peril, determined valor, generosity, and cour-
tesy. He is on all occasions the most amiable personage of the
Round Table. His adherence to the laws of knighthood is tried
severely more than once, and particularly at a tournament against
Nabigan de la Roche, where in consequence of a vow taken to
grant the first request made of him, he is enjoined to act the
part of a coward, and sustains unmoved the jeers of the assem-
bly. The following day, however, makes amends for this act of
self-abasement, for he then nobly sustains his own character,
and carries off the prize of the golden circletf. The most chi-

* In a MS. compilation of the 15th century, I have read a similar description, with the
addition : " II n'eust les chevaulx blancs ne rous, mats entredeux ; le visaige eust aucques brim ;
les yeux eust vers et moult actrayens ; barbe eust a plant e ; les espaules belles et larges, et let
bras et les poings gros et carrez, etfors a desmesure. Courtois et gratieux estoit plus que che-
valier du monde." I have mislaid the reference, but believe it to have been a MS. in-
Broadley's sale, 1832, intitled, *' Les noms, armes et blasons des Chevaliers de la Table Ronde,
mi sont escripz les grans f ah de tous les Chevaliers."

t Vol. ii. f. 183, ed. 1516.

c2

xx INTRODUCTION.

valrous of his undertakings is the acquisition of the famous sword
with which St. John was beheaded, in the course of which he
slays a monstrous giant on the top of a hill ; much after the
fashion in which Arthur killed the giant Dinabuc on the Mont
St. Michel. We have also a narrative, as in the Lancelot, but
differing much in the circumstances, of Gawayne's arrival in the
palace of King Pescheur, and the marvels of the Graal.

Map's series of romances is closed by the Mort Artus, which
is generally confounded with the Lancelot. The queen's amour
with the latter here leads to the disunion and destruction of the
Round Table. The war undertaken by Arthur against the vio-
lator of his honor, proves his ruin. A furious battle takes place,
in which Gawayne singly kills thirty knights, but his valor avails
not, for in a second encounter Arthur's forces are wTorsted. The
Pope interferes, and Lancelot gives up the queen, and retires to
his paternal dominions. Arthur follows him, at the instigation
of Gawayne, and a combat takes place between Gawayne and
Lancelot. The victory is long doubtful, but at length is given to
the more youthful opponent, and Gawayne is left on the field,
severely wounded in the head. After this follows the conflict
between the forces of Arthur and the Roman emperor, and the
return of Arthur to Britain on account of Mordred's treason, all
of which is founded on the narrative of Geoffrey, but told with
the usual license of the romance-writers. The part which relates
to Gawayne's death has some pathos and interest, and will bear
an abridgment.

Arthur and his fleet arrive at Dover, where he is joyfully re-
ceived at the castle. At vesper-time he is sent for by his nephew,
and on coming to him, finds Gawayne so weak, as scarcely to be
able to speak. On hearing the king's sorrow he opened his
eyes, and said, " Sire, I am dying, and I pray you in God's name
to refrain from a battle with Mordred, for I tell you truly he is

INTRODUCTION. xxi

the man who will cause your death." He then desires to be
remembered to Lancelot, whose pardon he asks, and requests
him to visit his tomb. — " And I pray you, Sire, that you cause
me to be interred at Kamalot, with my brothers ; and I wish to be
laid in the tomb wherein my brother Gaheriet lies, for him I
loved most, and this inscription to be placed above, Cy gisent

LES DEUX FRERES GAHERIET ET GaUVAIN, QUE LANCELOT OCCIST

par l'oultraige de Gauvain." Arthur asks if he believes
Lancelot to have been the cause of his death, which he answers
in the affirmative, on account of the wound he had received in
his head, which was renewed in the battle with the Romans.
" Et a tant se teust messire G. que plus ne parla, fors au derrenier
qu'il dist, Jesu Crist, pere debonnaire, ne me juge pas selon mes mes-
faitz!" Arthur swoons several times with grief, and exclaims,
" Ha ! Ha ! mort villaine, comment as tu este' si hardye d'assaillir
ung tel homme comme estoit mon nepveu, qui de bonte passoit tout le
monde ! " On the mournful news arriving at the castle, the lament-
ation is so excessive, that you could not have heard God thunder*.
They enveloped the corpse in silk, and surrounded it with so many
lighted tapers, that the castle seemed on fire. In the morning Ar-
thur caused a bierre chevaleresse to be brought, and Gawayne's body
placed therein, which he gave in charge to one hundred men to
convey .to Kamalot. Every eye is moistened, and the people cry
out, " 0 preudhomme courtois, et bon chevalier sur tous aultres,
mauldicte soit la morte qui de toy nous a oste' la compaignie !"
The corpse is carried to the castle of Belloc, the lady of which,
on hearing whose it is, loudly deplores his fate, and avows she
had never loved any one but Gawayne. Her husband requites
this declaration with a stroke of his sword, which cuts off her

* This phrase is found in Benoit de St. More and other French writers of the twelfth
century. It passed thence into the English romance of Alexander. See Weber, Metr. Rom.
Introd., p. xxxiv.

xxii INTRODUCTION.

shoulder, and penetrates deeply into the dead body of the knight.
The lady expires, and requests to be buried by his side. Her death
is revenged by the attendants, who then proceed with the body to
Kamalot, and bury it in the tomb of Gaheriet, in the middle of the
monastery. The remains of the lady of Belloc are also interred
close by, with an inscription stating that she had been killed for
her love of Gawayne*.

The substance of this romance, but much abridged, is to be
found in Malory's Morte d' Arthur, books 18, 20, and 21, and the
latter text was versified in the reign of Henry the Seventh by an
anonymous English author, who follows it in some instances
verbally f.

The account of Gawayne's death differs considerably in the va-
rious versions of the story, nor is the place of his sepulture less a
subject of disagreement. In Geoffrey, Arthur lands at the Partus
Rutupi, rendered Richborough by Thompson, and Sandwich by
Ellis { and others, where a battle takes place, in which Gawayne
and his companions are slain. Wace, Lajamon^, and Robert of
Brunne copy this narrative, but fix the spot at Romney. The
Cotton MS. of Wace, Vitell. A. x., reads Toteneis (Totnes), while
the Welsh (Tysilio) translation of Geoffrey and the alliterative poem
in the Lincoln MS. place the locality at Southampton. Malory and

* Vol. iii. ff. 191b, 192b, ed. 1513.

t This metrical version is preserved in MS. Harl. 2252, and was printed in 1819 for the
Roxburghe Club. Ellis is in error in stating that it was translated immediately from the
French text, Metr. Rom. i. 324, (copied by Dunlop, Hist, of Fiction, i. 244.) Had he taken
the trouble of comparing them together, he would not have hazarded such an assertion.

{ Ellis probably followed the general stream of the chroniclers who borrow from the En-
glish prose Brut, subsequently known under the title of Caxton's Chronicle and Fructus
Temporum. In this and in its French prose MS. original, the place of landing is called
Sandwich. See also a ballad printed in Percy, vol. iii. p. 40, ed. 1794.

§ But in another passage Lasamon writes, that Gawayne was killed " suth in Cornwale."
vol. ii. p. 546.

INTRODUCTION. xxiii

his metrical translator follow the romance of Lancelot, in assigning
the locality to Dover*, but they vary in the detail. The latter says
of our hero :

Syr Gawayne armyd hyme in that stounde,
Alias ! to longe hys hede was bare,
He -was seke, and sore vnsond,
Hys woundis greuyd hym fulle sare.
One hytte hym vpon the olde wounde,
Wl a tronchon of an ore ;
There is good Gawayne gone to grounde,
That speche spake he neuyr more.

MS. Harl. 2252, fol. 123b.

Malory follows the French text more closely, but inserts a letter,
supposed to be written by the dying knight to Sir Lancelot, and
concludes, — " And so at the houre of none Syr Gawayn yelded up
the spyryte ; and thenne the kynge lete entiere hym in a chappel
within Douer Castel ; and there yet alle men maye see the senile of
hym, and the same wound is sene that Syr Launcelot gaf hym in
bataill." vol. ii. p. 435. Caxton, in his Preface, alleges the last
mentioned circumstance as a proof of the reality of the fact ;
and Leland quotes the authority of the Chronicon Dovarensis
monasterii for the existence of Gawayne's bones in the same
place, which were shewn to himself on his visit theref. Leland
therefore rejects the statement of William of Malmesbury, who
says, that in the reign of William the Conqueror, the sepulchre
of Gawayne was discovered on the sea-shore of a province of
Wales, named Ross, [in Pembrokeshire,] fourteen feet in length,
" ubi, a quibusdam ut asseritur, ab hostibus vulneratus, et naufragio

* Ellis must have read the passage carelessly, or he would not have transferred the place
of sepulture to the Cathedral of Canterbury. See Metr. Rom. i. 392.

t Collectanea, vol. iii. p. 50 ; also in his Codrus, ib. vol. v. p. 7 ; and in Assertio Arthuri,
ifr.vol.v. p. 25.

xxiv INTRODUCTION.

ejectus, a quibusdam dicitur a civibus in publico epulo interfectus* ."
Leland acknowledges, however, that the remains of a castle called
by Gawayne's name were still extant in his time near the shore,
and at the present day, on the southernmost point of Pembroke-
shire, called St. Gowen's head, stands a small chapel formed out
of the rock, named after the same personage, which the tradi-
tionary voice of the neighbourhood assigns as the burial place of
Arthur's nephewf. Wace was ignorant of these statements, for
he expressly writes,

Grans fu li dols de son neveu,
Le corsjist metre ne sai u,
Ainc hom ne sot u il fu mis,
Ne qui l'ocist, ce m'est avis.

Vol. ii. p. 225, ed. 1839 J.

La3amon says nothing of the sepulture, but tells us that
Gawayne previous to his death made great slaughter, and killed
the son of Childric with his own hand, but at length was slain
" thurh an eorle Sexisce, — s&riiwurihe hissaule .'" Peter Langtoft
and his translator add to the confusion, by stating that the body
of Gawayne was interred at Wybre or Wibire, " en la Walescherye,"
— " that is, in Wales §," — by which I presume is intended Webbery,

* Scriptores post Bedam, lib. ii. p. 64, edit. 1596. Malmesbury adds, that Gawayne
reigned in that part of Britain called Waluuithia (Galloway), but was expelled from his
kingdom by the brother and nephew of Hengist. We here may, perhaps, trace the historical
incident which gave rise to the account in the romance of Merlin and elsewhere of Gawayne's
battles with the Saxons. The above passage in Malmesbury is copied by many succeeding
chroniclers, down to the time of Stowe and Baker.

+ See a description in Fenton's Pembrokeshire, p. 414, 4to, 1811 : but he knows nothing
of the legend, and talks of some Irish hermit being buried there.

♦ From MS. de la Bibl. du Roi, No. 7515*-3. The Royal MS. 13, A. xxi. Brit. Mus. and
Cott. Vit. A. x. read the same, except that the latter has en sarcu, instead of ne sai u.

§ MS. Cott. Jul. A. v. f. 40., MS. Reg. 20, D. ii. f. 31 ; Robert of Brunne's MS, Chron.
f. 81b, c. 2.

INTRODUCTION. xxv

not far from Bideford, in Devonshire. Lastly, in the prose
French and English Brut, whether manuscript or printed, and in
the romance of Arthur in the Red Book of Bath, Arthur is said to
cause the hodies of Gawayne and Augusel to be taken to Scot-
land, their native country.

The alliterative Scotish romance of Morte Arthure, in the li-
brary of Lincoln Cathedral, marked A. 1. 17, is very much ampli-
fied in its account of the destruction of the Round Table, and
does not agree with any other authority I have consulted*. The
British forces enter the harbour of Southampton, and Gawayne
jumps into the water, " in alle his gylte wedys," attacks the Da-
nish auxiliaries, and kills their leader, the king of Gothland. He
then with a small band of followers advances against Mordred,
and fights with his usual impetuosity.

In to J)e hale bataile hedlynges he rynnys,

And hurtes of ])e hardieste fat one the erthe lenges,

Letande alles a lyone, he lawnches theme thorowe,

Lordes and ledars that one the launde houes. —

And for wondsome and wille alle his wit failede,

That wode alles a wylde beste he wente at J>e gayneste,

Alle walewede one blode, thare he a-waye passede. — fol. 93.

At length he encounters the traitor chief, and wounds him
severely, but in the act of finishing the contest with a " shorte
knvfe," the weapon slips on the mail, and his adversary instantly
takes advantage of the accident, and strikes him through the
helm to the brain.

And thus Syr Gawayne es gone, the gude man of armes,
Withe owttyne reschewe of renke, and rewghe es ]>e more I
Thus Syr Gawayne es gone, that gyede many othire ;
Fro Gowere to Gernesay, alle )>e gret lordys,

* It is a singular circumstance that it often coincides verbally with Malory's prose ver-
sion, and the episode of Gawayne and Priamus is found in both, and no where else.

d

xxvi INTRODUCTION.

Of Glamour, of Galys londe, ]>is galyarde knyghtes,

For glent of gloppynguyng glade be they neuer ! — fol. 93b.

King " Froderike of Fres" conies up, and inquires of Mordred
who the knight was that had felled so many of his men, and now
lay deprived of life ? The reply is worthy of transcription, as a
summary of the knightly qualities for which our Hero was di-
stinguished.

Than Syr Modrede w' mouthe melis fulle faire : —

" He was makles one molde, mane, be my trowhe !

This was Syr Gawayne the gude, the gladdeste of othire,

And the graeiouseste gome that vndire God lyffede ;

Mane hardyeste of hande, happyeste in armes,

And the hendeste in hawle vndire heuene-riche ;

The lordelieste of ledynge, qwhylles he lyffe myghte,

Fore he was lyone allossede in londes inewe.

Had thou knawene hym, syr kynge, in kythe thare he lengede,

His konynge, his knyghthode, his kyndly werkes,

His doyng, his doughtynesse, his dedis of armes,

Thow wolde hafe dole for his dede the dayes of thy lyfe ! " — fol. 93''.

Mordred having thus borne testimony to the worth of his fallen
foe and brother, sheds tears, and moves away, cursing the time
his fate was shaped to work such unhappiness. Arthur after-
wards causes the body of Gawayne to be honorably conveyed to
Winchester, where it is received by a procession of the prior and
monks, and they are charged by the king to observe every funereal
solemnity, —

Lokis it be clanly kepyd, he said, and in the kirke holdene.

Done for dergese, as to the ded fallys ;

Menskede wl messes, for mede of the saule.

Loke it wante no waxe, ne no wirchipe elles,

And at the body be baarmede, and one erthe holdene. — fol. 95.

1 have now traced the history of Sir Gawayne from his birth
to his burial-place, and might gladly have wished to let him rest

INTRODUCTION. xxvn

in peace, but this is forbidden. Subsequently to the completion
of the romances by Robert de Borron and Map appeared a new
work, the object of which was to introduce a knight of the Round
Table, unknown and unnoticed by the preceding writers on the
subject*. This was the famous Tristan, whose amour with the
fan- Iseult and feats of arms, told as they were in the inimitable
style of the boa vieux Francois, found subsequently such favor
with the world, as completely to eclipse the earlier romance com-
positions. The first portion of this work was written by Luces
de Gastf, in the time of Henry the Second, and the con-
cluding part by Helie de Borron, in the reign of Henry the Third.
Both are animated by the same spirit, — that of vilifying the
lineage of king Loth, and more particularly the fame and deeds
of Gawayne. Among other fictions unknown to previous writers,
they feign a hostility between the sons of king Pellinor and the
children of Loth, and take every opportunity of praising the
latter at the expense of the former |. Pellinor is said to have
put king Loth to death, and is killed in return by Gawayne.
Lamorat de Galles, the eldest son of Pellinor, and brother of

* The fact of the more recent composition of the Tristan is, I think, indisputable. It is
perfectly incredible, had he been previously celebrated, that no mention should be made of
him by Robert de Borron and Map. These were also the sentiments of my learned friend
M. Paulin Paris, in the first volume of his interesting work, Les Manuscrits Francois de la
Bibliotheque du Roi, pp. 194-198, but in his second volume, p. 352, he retracts this opinion,
and says he founded his arguments on the second portion of Tristan, composed at a later
epoch. But the same conclusions may equally be drawn from the first part, in which the
direct allusions to the Roman de Lancelot are frequent. To give a single instance. In the
Lancelot, vol. i. f. clxxvi., is an account of Gawayne being carried off by a giant named Ka-
rados ; and in the Tristan the same event is noticed as having previously occurred, vol. i. f. xlv.
(MS. Harl. 49, fol. 105b.)

t The Abbe de la Rue conjectures that he possessed the seignory of the territory of Gast,
in the canton of St. Severe, department of Calvados. Essais sur les Bardes, ii. 23 1 . This re-
quires confirmation, but merits inquiry.

I See the indignant remarks of Southey on the Tristan, in his Preface to Morte d' Arthur,
p. xvi.

d2

xxviii INTRODUCTION.

Perceval, intrigues with the Lady of Orkney, the mother of our
hero, and is slain by her sons, for which act of retributive justice
Gawayne is severely censured. Indeed whenever Gawayne is
mentioned, it is only to represent him under circumstances of
defeat and disgrace, or to calumniate him. The manuscripts of
this work are fuller, by one half, than the printed editions, and
contain an additional quantity of misrepresentation*. To the
same author who completed the Tristan we are indebted for a
huge compilation intitled Gyron le Courtois, in which the exploits
of Gyron, Meliadus, Branor le Brun, the Chevalier sans Peur, and
a fresh race of worthies are commemorated, to whom even the
Lancelots and Tristans are represented as inferior. Of course Sir
Gawayne occupies here a very inferior grade, and is so changed
from the all-conquering hero of the Merlin, as scarcely to be
recognised. From this compilation, as well as from the prior
works of Robert de Borron and Map, was formed the abridgment
made by Rusticien de Pise in the reign of Edward the First ; and
in the course of the succeeding two centuries other compilers
arose, who selected what portions they pleased, and formed them
into distinct bodies of romance. These more recent compilations
must be regarded as the immediate originals of the romances
printed under the titles of Gyron le Courtois and Meliadus de
Le'onnois. The former of these first issued from the press of
Verard, and represents with tolerable accuracy a portion of Rus-
ticien's work. In this Sir Gawayne is only mentioned on two
occasions, and in both passages as a vanquished knight. In the
Meliadus f he is oftener introduced, but without a much greater

* MSS. of the prose Tristan are rare in the libraries of Great Britain. In the British Mu-
seum are only three copies of portions of the first part, and two copies of the second part.
The complete text, I believe, is in the collection of Sir Thomas Phillipps, Bart.

f The author of this romance frequently refers to the Tristan, the Lancelot, the Perceval,
and the Gyron. M. Paris is inclined to refer its compilation to the commencement of the

INTRODUCTION. xxix

degree of praise. His character for courtesy is indeed acknow-
ledged, and an awkward fiction is alleged to account for his in-
ferior powers, by stating that in the tournament of Galles, main-
tained between Arthur and the Seigneur des Loingtains Isles,
(Gallehault,) he received such hurts as to deprive him of his pre-
vious force, so that afterwards he never recovered it. — " Et du
grant dueil quil en eut, il fist depuis moult de felonies, que la Table
Ronde achepta moult durement." From the work of Rusticien de
Pise it is probable that Sir Thomas Malory compiled the English
prose Morte d' Arthur in the year 1469, in which, as Scott and
Southey have remarked, the character of Gawayne is traduced,
and his history misrepresented. There are a few adventures
of Gawayne in this work which I have not found elsewhere, but
they were doubtless furnished by the French manuscript ori-
ginals, which I have had no opportunity of consulting*.

The metrical romances composed by Chrestien de Troyes re-
quire next to be noticed. They all appear to have been borrowed
from the prose romances, but contain also incidents derived from
other sources. The longest and best known of these is the Per-
ceval le Gallois, so large a portion of which relates to the exploits
of sir Gawayne, that, as a French writer has already observed, it

sixteenth century, shortly before it was printed, but in Sir Thomas Phillipps's possession is
a MS. of the fourteenth century, agreeing generally with the printed text, and containing the
preface of Helie de Borron to his Gyron le Courtois, which in the printed edition of Me-
liadus is erroneously attributed to Rusticien, From this cause have sprung innumerable mis-
statements on the subject of these works, and the age of the composers.

* There are no copies in the British Museum or Bodleian Library of the compilations of
Helie de Borron and Rusticien. In Sir Thomas Phillipps's Library is a recension of Helie's
work by Jehan le Vaillant, made in the year 1391, which was formerly in the La Valliere
collection. I find also that a prose work intitled Roman du Roi Artus was printed at Paris
in 1488, but is so scarce, that I do not know if a copy is to be found in England. It is evi-
dently a late compilation, chiefly taken from the Merlin, but with variations. It is here
stated, that at Loth's death Mordred disputes the right of Gawayne to his father's throne,
and on Arthur taking the part of the latter, the catastrophe is brought on which ends in the
monarch's destruction. This is quite a new version of the story.

XXX INTRODUCTION.

might with equal propriety have been named after both these
heroes. I have already spoken of this romance in my Notes,
(p. 305,) and its popularity in Scotland and England must have
been great, since no less than three of the poems printed in the
present volume are founded on episodes in it. Here, as in the
second part of the Saint Graal, the adventures of Gawayne in
search of the Mysterious Vessel and the palace of king Pescheur,
occupy a prominent place. His character for valor and courtesy
re-appears in its original lustre, and is praised with the same
warmth as in the romance of Merlin. — " Sire," says an esquire
to Arthur, after relating the feats of Gawayne at the enchanted
castle of queen Yguerne, " en ma puissance Gauvain assez suffisau-
ment louer n'est pas possible ; le propoz assez aorne ne la langue
diserte ne ay-je elegante ne propice a ce faire, pource que, comme
je croy, de toute chevalJerie est la perle ; c'est celluy qui de tout vice
est nect, innocent, et immaculle ; c'est celluy qui ne pourroit endurer
felonnie ne mechancete' ; c'est le consolateur des desollez, le pere des
orphelins, Vabresse et la reconfort des femmes vefues." fol. xlvii.
We are also in this romance introduced to Giglan, the son of
Gawayne by the sister of Brandelis, of whom mention only pre-
viously occurs in the first part of the prose Tristan.

The remaining romances by Chrestien, are the Tristan, appa-
rently now lost ; the Chevalier au Lion, which is known as the
original of the English Ywaine and Gawin ; the Roman d' Erec et
Enide, in which Gawayne is assigned the first station among the
knights of the Round Table* ; the Roman de Fregus, a narrative in
many respects resembling that of Perceval, and the hero of which

* Devant toz les boas chevaliers
Doit estre Gauvains li premiers,
Li seconz Erec, li filz Lac,
Et li tierz Lanceloz dou Lac.

MS. de la Bibl. du Rot, No. 74984,/. 13.

INTRODUCTION. xxxi

is a native of Scotland ; the Roman de la Charrette, which is an
episode taken from Lancelot ; and the Roman de Cliges. The last
four still remain in manuscript, in the Bibliotheque du Roi at
Paris, hut analyses of them are given in the Bibliotheque des Ro-
mans and the Histoire Litteraire de la France. In all of them we
find Gawayne very honorably noticed.

Besides the longer romances several shorter poems of the same
chivalrous character exist, in which Syr Gawayne's adventures
are commemorated. One of these is the Chevalier a V Epe'e*, the
author of which blames Chrestien de Troyes for omitting to cele-
brate Gawayne in a distinct poem, and says he will narrate one
out of his numerous exploits. The subject connects it with the
English tale of Syr Gawene and the Carle of Carlyle, as I have
pointed out in the Notes, (p. 345.) Here too we meet with the
amusing incident of the greyhounds f , which seems to have been
borrowed from the metrical Perceval. Another is the fabliau of
La Mule sans Frein\; in which Gawayne undertakes for a lady
the adventure of the bridle, and after many hazardous conflicts,
succeeds in gaining it. A prosaical episode also is preserved, in-
titled the Conte de V Atre Perilleux, containing an interesting ac-
count of Gawayne's encounter with a formidable magician or
semi-daemon, whom he destz'oys amidst flashes of lightning, and
afterwards rescues a damsel from the power of a redoubtable
knight named Ersanors de la Montagne§.

In all probability other narratives remain in manuscript relating
to the same personage, and some may have been lost. In the

* Printed in Meon's Recueil de Fabliaux, vol. i. p. 127, and analysed by Le Grand.

t See Dunlop's Hist, of Fiction, i. 272.

t Printed, ib. vol. i. p. 1. See Notes, p. 30G.

§ Analysed in the Bibl. des Romans, Juillet, 1777, p- 70. It is mentioned in the Inven-
taire des livres de I'ancienne Bibliothique rlu Louvre, fait en Vannie 1373, p. 75, 8vo, 1836;
edited by M. Van Praet.

xxxii INTRODUCTION.

Reductorium Morale of Pierre Bercheur, Prior of St. Eloi, at Paris,
better known by his Latin name of Berchorius, who is supposed
by Warton to have been the author of the Gesta Romunorum* , at
the end of his Prologue to book 14, De Naturce Mirabilibus, speak-
ing of the wonderful relations extant of Britain, he writes, " What
shall I say of the marvels which occur in the histories of Gawayne
(Galvayni), and Arthur? Of which I will mention only one,
namely, of the palace under the water, which Gawayne accident-
ally discovered, where he found a table spread with eatables, and
a chair placed ready for him, but was not able to find the door by
which he might go out ; but being hungry, and about to eat, sud-
denly the head of a dead man appeared in the dish, and a giant,
who lay on a bier near the fire, rising up, and striking the roof
with his head, and the head calling out and forbidding the repast,
he never dared touch the viands, and after witnessing many
wonders, got away he knew not howf!" Berchorius here evi-
dently refers to the prodigies seen by Gawayne at the palace of
the Graal, but the manuscripts used by him must have differed
greatly from those now extant, or he must have quoted from
memory, and much misrepresented the story j. The former con-
jecture seems the most probable. So also in a copy of the Mer-
lin, No. 6958 of the Bibliotheque du Roi, we meet with an episode
not in the usual text of this romance. Gawayne rescues a lady
by force of arms from Oriol, King of the Saxons, and to his great

* See my Preface to the Old English Versions of the Gesta Romanorum, printed for the
Roxburghe Club, 4to, 1838. Bercheur died in 1362.

f Edit. fol. Col. Agr. 1631, torn. ii. p. 901. He adds, "Melius ergo arbitror de istis
tacere, quam de ipsis aliqua narrative asserere, ne forte videar fabulas hominum vel etiam
opera daemonum pro naturali veritate narrare. Ista ergo ad praesens omittam, nisi forte quando
defabulis poetarvm tractabo, inseram aliquid de prsemissis." This work, which was to have
formed the fifteenth book, is unfortunately lost, or was never completed.

J Compare the Roman de Perceval, ff. cxxi — cxxiii.

INTRODUCTION. xxxiii

delight recognises her as his mie, the Countess of Limos. — " Si
saut jus du cheval, et l' embrace, et baise en la face, et ele lui, que
onques dangier nul ne I'en fait ; et li dist, ' Certes, sire, Men me
devez baisier et accoler, que onques mais baisier n'eustes, au mien
escient, que vous autretant chierement eussiez achete'.' ' Dame,' fait
il, ' de tant suis-je plus liez*.' "

Our hero seems to have been famed more for his various in-
trigues than his constancy. At the trial of the ivory horn sent by
Morgain to Arthur's court, he is the first to raise it to his lips,
but no sooner does he touch the wine than it runs over the en-
chanted rim, for " Ja nul chevallier n'y bevra qui aura triche' son
amye, ou que sa mie I'ait triche', que le vin sur lui ne respandef."
In the Jeaste of Gawayne we have one of his affairs of gallantry nar-
rated, copied from the Perceval, and in the same romance we have
a similar account of his amour with the daughter of the king of
Escallon, with whom being surprised, he defends himself with a
chess-board. A third affair of the same kind takes place with
Taure'e, sister of the Little Knight of the Great Forest, and in the
Lancelot and Malory 'sMorted' Arthur we have additional narratives
of his influence with the fair sex ; so that we can readily under-
stand why he is addressed by the lady in the Scotish romance of
the Grene Knytf as a master and pattern not only of courtesy but
of the art of love.

One more romantic composition relative to Gawayne remains
to be noticed, which is the more remarkable from its being quite
distinct from the established fictions of the Round Table. This
composition may be assigned to the early part of the fourteenth
century, and is written in Latin ; but whether derived from "floating
Celtic traditions," or from an Anglo-Norman original, must be left

* P. Paris, Mamiscrits Francois, ii. 344.

f Roman de Perceval, f. cb. Comp. Rom. de Tristan, i. f. liii. In the similar fabliau of
the Manteau mal taille it is Genelas, the mie of Gawayne, who fails in the trial.

e

xxxiv INTRODUCTION.

to conjecture. It is intitled De Ortu Waluuanii, nepotis Arturi, and
is a strange tissue of romantic fiction, embellished with many rhe-
torical flourishes. In it Gawayne is represented as the result of
a secret intrigue between king Loth and Anna, the daughter of
Uter Pendragon, and to conceal his birth his mother delivers him
to some foreign merchants, who carry him to the coast of France,
not far from Narbonne. They leave the ship and the infant in
the care of a boy, who falls asleep j and in their absence a fisher-
man carries the child off, together with a casket, containing testi-
monials of his birth, and a vast quantity of treasure. He afterwards
proceeds to Rome, where giving himself out to be a descendant
of a noble Roman family, he is received most honorably by the
emperor, and assigned as a residence the marble palace of Scipio
Africanus. The boy grows up, and is beloved by all for his
courteous demeanour and surprising boldness. At the age of
twelve years his reputed father dies, but on his death-bed reveals
the secret of Gawayne's birth to the emperor and the pope Sulpi-
cius, but charges them not to reveal it until he should be restored
to his parents. The youth is brought up under the emperor's
protection, receives knighthood from his hands, and distinguishes
himself by his prowess so greatly, that he is sent for by the
christians living at Jerusalem to fight in single combat, as a
champion in their behalf, against the champion of the king of
Persia, who had made war on them. In his way to the east he
lands on an island ruled by king Milocrates, an enemy of the Ro-
mans, whom he kills, and afterwards encounters the hostile fleet
of the king's brother, whose ships are sunk or captured. He at
length reaches Jerusalem, and fights on foot with the pagan giant
Gormundus, the Persian champion, for the space of three days, but at
last cleaves him asunder with his sword from the head downwards,
— "non optabile stomacho antidotum," — as thewriter oddly remarks.
He afterwards returns triumphantly to Rome, and thence, hearing

INTRODUCTION. XXXV

of the fame of Arthur, to Britain, where he establishes his claim as
nephew of the British monarch. Such is the brief outline of this
singular story, in which we can clearly trace some few particulars
referable to Geoffrey of Monmouth, but worked up in a manner that
would bear comparison with the extravagant fictions of a much
later era.

The popularity of Gawayne, in spite of the calumny contained
in the Tristan and Gyron, must have been great, but was neces-
sarily joined with that of other heroes of the Round Table. His
adventures are referred to by several Provencal poets previous to
the close of the twelfth century, and often subsequently*. In the
poems of the Anglo-Norman trouveurs his name very frequently
occurs, and always in terms of respect. It would occupy too
much space to specify the passages, but I have indicated the prin-
cipal in a note below f. The author of a manuscript Latin trans-

• See the Journal des Savans, p. 521, Sept., 1S33 ; and Raynouard's Choix des Poesies des
Troubadours, vol. ii. pp. 2S8, 295, 296, 29S. By the author of the romance of Jaufre and
Elias Cairel, his feats of arms are placed on the same scale with the wisdom of Merlin or
the love-passion of Tristan.

f A poem is quoted by the Abbe de la Rue, and assigned to king Henry the First, intitled
Le dictie d'Urbain, in which it is said, —

Plus estre corteis et sein
Que ne fut Sire Gauvein,

but I should doubt both the authorship and antiquity claimed for it. See Essais sur les
Bardes, vol. ii. p. 38, 8vo, 1834. In the same volume, p. 63, the Abbe1 states that Turold,
the author of a romance on the battle of Roncevaux, places Gawayne among the paladins
by the name of Gautier. This is a silly blunder, arising out of a passage in a more recent
copy of the poem, analysed by M. Monin, in which the words li nies Arlus do not refer to
Gautiers, but to Malarsus, and the name of Artus itself is a mischievous variation from the
original text, which reads Droun. Compare M. Michel's valuable edition of the Chanson de
Holland, 8vo, 1837, p. 79, and Monin's Dissertation, pp. 26, 32. Consult also the Lai de
Lanval, by Marie de France, vol. i. p. 220, 8vo, 1820 ; Le Couronnement de Renart, vol. iv.
pp. 3, 5, 8vo, 1826 ; Lai de V Ombre, p. 43, of Lais Inedits, par Fr. Michel, 8vo, 1836 ; Lai
de ilelion, p. 57, 8vo, 1832 ; the metrical Livre de Oyer de Dannemarche, MS. Reg. 15 E.
vi. f. 81b, col. 2 ; the Roman de la Rose, vol. iii. p. 211, 8vo, 1814 ; and the Roman da

e2

xxxvi INTRODUCTION.

lation of the celebrated Calilah u Dimnuh, made in the year 1313,
complains in his preface of the avidity with which the romances of
Gawayne and others were read*. But we are not hence to infer
that there was originally any large distinct romance which passed
by his name, but that allusion is made to one of those in which
his exploits are prominently recorded. In this manner the ro-
mance of Gawayne might mean either the Merlin or the Perceval
or the Lancelot, as in similar cases we read of the romances of
Gallehault, Agravain, and La Charrette, all of which are only por-
tions or branches of the Lancelot. Thus too in the Inventory of

Guillaume d'Orange, quoted by M. Michel in the Glossary to the Chanson duRolland, p. 209.
In the last of these passages Gawayne is placed in fairy-land with many other heroes of
the cycles of Arthur and Charlemagne. The British sovereign thus addresses Renouart, —

Je sui Artus, dont Ten a tant parle,

Renouart, frere, ce sont la gent fae,

Qui sont du siecle venus et trespasse.

Vez-la Rollant, ce vermcill couloure,

Et c'est Gauvain, a ce poile rol,

Et puis Yvain, un sien compaing prive ;

Et cele bele au vis enlumine,

Icele est Morgue, ou tant a de biaute.

Hence may be explained the lines of Chaucer, —

That Syr Gawayne with his old curtesie.

Although he come agen out of Fairie,

He could him nought amendin in no worde.

Lydgate also, in his Fall of Princes, B. viii. ch. 25, speaks of Arthur's court in Fairie.

* " Vos igitur regalem curiam frequentes, qui tempus vestrum consumitis in narrationibu*,
anbagicis, — verbi gracia, Lanceloti, Gahani, consimilibusque, — libros in quibus nulla con-
sists sciencia vel modica viget utilitas, crebrius intendentes, abjecta vanitatis palea, librum
istum regium virtutum perlegatis," etc. The writer was a physician, named Raymond de
Biterris, and he translated the work from the Spanish at the request of Joan, queen of Na-
varre. It is altogether different from the version of John of Capua, printed under the title
of the Directorium Humance l*itce. A beautiful copy of the work is preserved in the Bill,
du Roi at Paris, No. 8504.

INTRODUCTION. xxxvii

the Library in the Louvre, in 1373, we find notices of volumes
described, as, " No. 287. De Merlin, et des fais de Lancelot du Lac
et de Gauvin, em prose," aud again, " No. 302. Du Saint Graal,
de Lancelot, de Gauvain, en grant volume plat, em prose." In the
same manner must the passage of Caxton be understood, where
he speaks of " the grete and many volumes of Seint Graal, Gha-
lehot, and Launcelotte de Lake, Gawayne, Perceval, Lyonel, and
Tristram*," which renders Southey's conjecture as to their sepa-
rate form of no force.

If we now turn to our English writers, we shall find the fame
of Gawayne in full vigor from the thirteenth to the sixteenth cen-
tury. The stream of romance which brought down the name of
Arthur, invariably joined to it that of his courteous and valiant
nephew ; and his reputation in the popular estimation continued
to retain its hold, in spite of the misrepresentations of the authors
of the Tristan and the Gyron. John Hautville, author of the
Archithrenius, written previous to the year 1207, places the follow-
ing noble sentiments in our Hero's mouth, —

Et Walganus ego, qui nil reminiscor avara
Illoculasse manu; non hajc uiea fulgurat auro
Sed gladio rlextraf

In some prefatory lines to the collection of Metrical Legends of
the Saints, written shortly before the year 1300|, we read, —

* Proheme to Godefrey of Boloyne, fol. 1481. Compare his Preface to the Book of the
Ordre of Chyvalry, fol. no date, but about 1484.

t MS. Cott. Vesp. B. xxiii. f. 30, and MS. Harl. 4066, 2, f. 30. The knight previously
says of himself, —

Et genus et gentem tribuit Lodanesia nutrix,
Prebuit irriguam morum Coruubia manimam.
} Warton, in Hist. Engl. Poetr. says 1200, vol. i. pp. 14, 126, and is incautiously fol-
lowed by Ritson, Metr. Rom. p. civ. I am surprised to find the same error repeated in Mr.
Guest's valuable work on English Rhythms, vol. ii. p. 220. The same writer persists, p.

xxxviii INTRODUCTION.

Men wilnethe more yhere of batayle of kyngis
And of knyjtis hardy, that mochel is lesyngis,
Of Roulond and of Olyuere, and Gy of Warwyk,
Of Wawayne and Tristram, that ne founde here ylike.

MS. Bodl. 779, ap. Warton, vol. i. p. 126.

Again, in the romance of Richard Coeur de Lion, composed pro-
bably within ten years of the same period,

Many romances men make newe,

Of good knyghtes, strong and trewe ;

Off theyr dedes men rede romance,

Bothe in Engeland and in France ;

Off Roweland and of Olyuer,

And of euery doseper ;

Of Alisandre and Charlemain,

Off kyng Arthour and off Gaivayn ;

How they were knyghtes good and curteys,

Off Turpyn, and of Ogier Daneys*.

In a curious poem in the Digby MS. No. 86, intitled " Le
Cuntent parentre le Mauvis et la Russinole, written in the reign of
Edward the First, is the following stanza :

Nijttingale, thou hauest wrong,
Wolt thou me senden of this lond,

For ich holde with the rijtte ;
I take witnesse of Sire Wawain,
That Ihesu Crist ;af mijt and main,

And strengthe for to fijtte. — fol. 137f.

412, in assigning the year 1278 to Robert of Gloucester's Chronicle, although in my Preface
to Havelok I have pointed out a passage in it which proves it not to have been completed
till after 1297.

* Weber's Metr. Rom. ii. 4; see also ii. 261. He is greatly mistaken in supposing the
romance of Ywaine and Gawin to be here alluded to.

t A fragment of the same poem, written thirty years later, is preserved in the Auchinleck
MS., and is thence quoted by Leyden, in Comphynte of Scotland, p. 159.

INTRODUCTION. xxxix

Chaucer's lines in reference to our hero are well known*, and
so are the passages in the romance of Ywaine and Gawin}', com-
posed nearly at the same period. In a legendary MS. work, in-
titled Cursor Mundi, of the same age, we read in the prologue, —

Man yhernes rimes for to here,
And romans red on manere sere, —
O kyng Arthour, that was so rike,
Quam non in hys tim was like ;
O ferlys that hys knythcs fell,
That aunters sere I here of tell ;
As Wawan, Cai, and other stabell,
For to were the Ronde Tabell.

MS. Cott. Vesp. A. uufol. \\.

In the fifteenth century there are numerous allusions to Sir
Gawayne, and the vernacular translations of the Saint Graal and
Merlin^, Mort Artus\\, Perceval*^, Launfal** , the Squyr of Lowe
Degreff, and other romances, united with the publication of Ma-
lory's diffuse work towards the close of this period, must have
powerfully operated in diffusing a knowledge of his romantic
career. In a metrical version of Guido de Colonna's War of Troy,
which has erroneously been attributed to Lydgate, the writer thus
enumerates the popular fictions of the day, —

* Canterbury Tales, 1. 10,409, and Rom. of the Rose, 1. 2209. Tyrwhitt's Glossary, in v.
Gawain.
t L. 1419, ap. Ritson, Metr. Rom., vol. i.

I This copy of the poem is written in the northern dialect. See the same passage, with
numerous variations, quoted from the Laud MSS., No. 416, Bodl. Library, in Warton.
Hist. E. P., i. 127.

§ Preserved in Corpus Chr. Coll. Cambr., No. 80, and hitherto unpublished. The trans-
lator names himself Hern- Lonelich : see Nasmyth's Catalogue, p. 55, 4to, 1777.
|| MS. Harl. 2252. Printed for the Roxburghe Club, 4to. 1819-

II MS. Eccles. Lincoln., A. 1. 17.
** Ritson's Metr. Rom., vol. i.
tt Ibid., vol. iii.

xl INTRODUCTION.

Off Bevis, Gy, and of Gawayn,
Off kyng Richard, and of Owayn,
Off Tristram, and of Percyvale,
Off Rouland Ris and Aglavale.

MS. Laud. 595, fol. 1. Bodl. Libr.

And in the inedited romance of Syr Degrevante, a composition
of much merit, we are told, —

W kyng Arthure, I wene,
And dame Gaynore, the quene,
He was knawene for kene

This comly knyghte ;
In haythynnes and in Spayne,
In France and in Britayne,
W Perceuelle and Gawayne,

For hardy and wyghte.

MS. Line. A. 1.17.

In the reign of Henry the Eighth we learn from a curious pas-
sage in Skelton's Litle Boke of Phillip Sparow, what were the
principal romance-stories then in vogue, and among them is
" Gawen and Syr Guy," as well as Lancelot, Tristan, and Libius
Diosconins, Gawayne'sson. The repeated editions of such romances
in the course of the sixteenth century must have rendered the name
of Gawayne familiar to all, and at length, by the natural course
of all popular literature, the ballad-makers succeeded the minstrels
in the commemoration of his exploits. Perhaps one of the latest
passages in which his name is used as a bye-word occurs in Lane-
ham's amusing account of the actors in the Coventry pageant be-
fore Queen Elizabeth at Kenilworth : — " But aware ! keep bak,
make room noow, heer they cum ! And fyrst captin Cox, — an od
man, I promiz yoo, — by profession a mason, and that right skilfull ;
very cunning in fens, and handy as Gawin, for hiz tonsword hangs

w

;^iyen y e Ce$< -rfeaiYant ^jat, CeCeoat trvye
°,f e \ou bnttmeo *bvent tobroniV} t aft^
0 f e titlh- pat pc trarneu of trefoil y ^rort
i rfSsaft twi) fo?lns trtc^me ?e trc^cft oner the
;"0 htt ^a« (T-nmas- ft atW rhi8 tasty* y«*
\,t -pat fn>cn 8epre<*6 jptudcea t fotrotks Income
' M&eluaje ofalye i^([t ffe %tft tie*;

f-rortcfyrrOTnulus -torome nab»*V fl*)Te
Sfe* grrt tobbaitce fat bnrje fye ta^e? vpon fyrtt
* ncitene* tat ht£ antic nome as >jit no^rjat
tiftng to tutsan t tcUetf bxsym1^
lang atcnV T lubaran" lyftcs v$ bomes \\ N«y tl) ^jyne
I* fev cm f e frencb flod fehf bwt?
on motif bonW*e# fulbrofc bretayn befettej
Wjere- <%rre ** ^raHe t^cmcer
Ibtfyp^Jbat^ ^jontf mc
1 v oft bof e- blyfCe * bluter
jfnlftete hatj ffcyrted Cvne
J (bite dtim yia bretayn^atjbiggcobifts bum np cl)
AsboUfe bread™ y er mc baret fat lof&n
? mmony turned tftne- ten* fat <ihO£teu
mo ferlf e^on -pig fol& ty an fallen fjere oft
pen m any op fat ^ot fynfat tlk tftne-
bot of alle fat hjere bult of bretavgnc M?£es
ay^at? ardntr pc benteft a$fiAt ^cv^ telle

M.S.Cott Nero Ax.fol.91.

•

INTRODUCTION. xli

at his tablz eend*." And a little further on, among the books
which the same worthy had "at hiz fingers endz," he mentions
" Syr Isenbras, Syr Gawyn, and Olyver of the Castl." Indeed
there can be little doubt that Sir Gawayne was the prototype
winch furnished to Spenser the character of his Sir Calidore,

In whom it seemes that gentleness of spright

And manners mylde were planted naturall,

To which he adding comely guize withall,

And gracious speach, did steale mens hearts away ;

Nathlesse thereto he was full stout and tall,

And well approv'd in batteilous affray,

That him did much renowme, and far his fame display.

Faerie Queene, B. vi. c. 1. st. 2.

Having dwelt so long on the subject of our Hero's fame in Eng-
land, it is scarcely necessary to add, that in southern Scotland the
popularity of his exploits could not have been less, since he there
was claimed as one of their own chieftains, the Lord of Galloway.
The Scotish poems published in the present volume will best show
how he was regarded by the writers of the fourteenth and fifteenth
centuries, but they also prove, that these writers were indebted to
Anglo-Norman romance-literature for nearly all that they knew
of him. This is an important fact in the history of Scotish lite-
rature, and hitherto has not received the attention it deserves.
The same remark may extend to Wales, as proved by the publi-
cation of the Mabinogion.

If we now look towards Germany, we shall find at an early pe-
riod the romances of the Round Table received there, as borrowed
from the French originals. Hartman von Owe translated the Che-
valier au Lion at the commencement of the thirteenth centuryf ,

* Letter on the entertainment of the Queen at Kenilworth, p. 34, 1575. 12mo. Oliver of the
Castle is a mistake for, or corruption of, Oliver of Castille.
t Printed in Miiller's Sammlung, vol. ii. 4to, 1785.

f

xlii INTRODUCTION.

and at the same period Wolfram von Eschenbach composed his ro-
mances of Parzival and Titurel from the authority of Kyot of Pro-
vence*. The proper names in these are very much altered, and
other liberties taken, but in the German Parzival, as in the French
text, Sir Gawayne occupies the larger share of the poem. Goldast
in his Paranetica, p. 377, quotes a distich from a German poem
intitled by him Historia Gewani, but in all probability it is taken
from the Parzivalf. In the " Altdeutsche Blatter" are also
printed three fragments of old German romances from MSS. of
the 13th, 14th, and 15th centuries, relating to Gawayne, but it is
doubtful to what works they belong J. The same personage is
mentioned in the romance of Lohengrin, which belongs to the same
cycle §, as well as in the romance of Wigolais, by Wirnt von
Gravenberg, of which I have spoken in my Notes, (p. 347.) To-
wards the end of the fifteenth century a cyclic compilation from
the Round Table narratives was made by Ulrich Fiirterer, a poet
of Bavaria, and the work is still preserved in manuscript at Mu-
nich and Vienna || .

Among the Flemish poets the adventures of Gawayne were
equally well known, and at as early a period. They are referred
to by Jacob von Maerlant, (who died about the year 1300,) in his
Alexandreis, and also by Jan de Helu, who was his contemporary,
and by Jan de Clerk, who died in 1350^[. Besides these inci-

* Printed in the edition of Eschenbach's works by Lachmann, 8vo, Berl. 1833. The Par-
zival consists of 24,678 lines.

t See Vonder Hagen's Grundriss:ur Geschichte der Deutschen Poesie, p. 122, 8vo, Berl.
1812.

X Vol. ii. pp. 148—159, 8vo, Leipz. 1838.

§ Edited by J. Gorres, from a MS. in the Vatican, 8vo, Heidelb. 1813. In this, Sygelint,
daughter of Gawayne, is noticed.

|| Vonder Hagen Grundr. etc., p. 153. See also Altdeutsche Gedichte mis den Zeiten der
Tafelrunde, v. F. F. Hofstater, 2 Thl. 12mo, Wien, 1811.

51" See Hoffman's Horae Belgieae, pt. i. pp.48, 52, 8vo, 1830; and Mone's Ubersicht der
Niederlandischen Volks-Literatur, p. 38, 8vo, Tub. 1838.

INTRODUCTION. xliii

dental passages, a poem consisting of 11,300 lines is extant, com-
posed by Pennine and Peter Vostaert in the fourteenth century,
in which the exploits of Gawayne are principally narrated, and
which is, doubtless, a translation of the French Perceval*. Even
in the remoter regions of the North, the romances of Perceval,
Ywaine, Erec and Enide, Tristan, and many more of French
origin, found their way, and Icelandic versions of them are still
preserved in the libraries of Stockholm, Copenhagen, and the Bri-
tish Museum. In the list given by Muller in his Sagabibliothek,
vol. iii. p. 484, I find " Valvent, Artus Kappa, Saga," or Ro-
mance of Gawayne, Arthur's knight, and in the Additional MSS.
in the British Museum, No. 4859, is preserved a transcript,
with the title, " Nu byriast Valvers [Valvens] \attur, sem var eirn
af Artus Kauppum." It consists only of five chapters, and is
evidently a short compilation from the Perceval.

In the southern countries of Europe the Round Table romances
seem, comparatively speaking, to have been in far less repute.
The Italians, indeed, had translations of the Merlin, the Lancelot,
and the Tristan, but, with the exception of the last, they were
never generally read, but gave way to the more popular romances
of Charlemagne and his Douze Pairs-f. Ariosto, however, takes
occasion to eulogise the chivalry of Britain : —

Gran cose in essa gia fece Tristano,

Lancilotto, Galasso [Galeotto,] Artii, e Galvano.

Orlando Furioso, Canto iv. st. 52.

And another writer of more recent date, Brusantino, in his
Angelica Innamorata, also says, —

* Consult the last cited works. Vostaert seems to have completed the poem in the year
1350.
t See Panizzi's Boiardo ed Ariosto, Essay, p. 151, 12mo, 1830.

f2

xliv INTRODUCTION.

E tra i pregiati Artu gia fu e Tristano,
E Bando, e Lancilotto, e '1 bwn Galvano*.

But it was reserved for a native of Cremona, at the request of
the Loredani family of Venice, to celebrate Arthur's courteous
nephew in a distinct work. It is written in ottava rima, and was
printed without date at Milan by Peter Martir and his associates,
and intitled, " Libro novo de lo Inamoramento de Galvano, etc.,
composto da il laureato poeta Fossa da Cremona." By Ferrario it
is assigned to Evangelista Fossa, but Count Melzi seems inclined
to give it to Matteo Fossa, who died in 1516f. Both agree in
stating that it is of extreme rarity, and extremely worthless.

Lastly, among the Greeks of the Eastern Empire we meet with
the heroes of the Round Table, whose exploits must have been
communicated to them in their intercourse with the Franks.
This curious fact is proved by the fragment of a romance written
in Greek political verses, a private impression of which was
printed at Breslau in 1S21, by Von der Hagen, and subsequently
reprinted at the end of M. Michel's edition of Tristan, in 1835.
Neither of these editors was aware of the fact, that the poem in
question is only a portion of a longer romance, translated closely
from the Gyron le Courtois of Helie de Borron or Rusticien de Pise,
and consequently its composition cannot be assigned to so early
a period as the twelfth century, but to the latter half of the
thirteenth.

I have now only to add a few words respecting the execution
of the present volume. The Glossary has cost considerable labor,
and will, I trust, be considered of value, but to those who know

* Cant. iii. st. 1, edit. 8vo, Vineg. 1553. No such personage as Bando occurs in the
Arthurian romances.

f See Stoi-ia degli antichi Rornanzi di Cavalleria, vol. ii. p. 330, 8vo, 1828 ; and Melzi's
Bibliografia de' Romanci, p. 320, 8vo, 1838.

~\

4

INTRODUCTION. xlv

the difficulties which attend the explanation of the Northern
alliterative poems, its imperfections will not prove matter of sur-
prise. I hope the time may arrive, when the whole of these
poems still remaining in manuscript will be published, and I am
confident, that until this preliminary step is accomplished, no
complete Dictionary of the Northern English can be made.
Jamieson's is, indeed, a work of great industry, and his col-
lection of modern Scoticisms intitled to considerable praise ; but
as a critical or etymological guide to the Scotish and Northern
dialect of the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth centuries, it is
miserably imperfect and inaccurate. A vicious theory pervades
it throughout, which a more extensive acquaintance with the
mass of vernacular literature still remaining inedited would, I am
convinced, have excluded.

The poems here taken from original manuscripts are printed
with a scrupulous regard to accuracy, and the abbreviations left
as written, but, for the convenience of the reader, a list of these
is annexed, and the words are written at length in the Glossary
and Notes. The truth is, that editors of our old poetry have,
with few exceptions, paid too little attention to the system of
writing used by the early scribes, and the consequence is, that
but a small portion of all that has been published will bear colla-
tion with the originals. I say this advisedly, having myself com-
pared most of the poems edited by Ritson, Pinkerton, Weber,
Percy, Ellis, Hartshorne, and others. It is time this were re-
medied.

I have added to the present Introduction, according to the
excellent plan adopted by recent French writers, a description of
the Manuscripts used by me, which may not be altogether devoid
of interest.

For three of the transcripts from the Percy MS., my thanks are
due in an especial manner to George Baker, Esq., the Historian

•

Xivi INTRODUCTION.

of Northamptonshire, who most kindly undertook to make them
for me, which he was enabled to do by the liberal permission of
the present possessor of the Manuscript, Ambrose Isted, Esq., of
Ecton Hall.

FREDERIC MADDEN.

British Museum,
9th August, ] 839.

DESCRIPTION OF THE MANUSCRIPTS USED
IN THE PRESENT VOLUME.

I. Cotton MS. Nero A. x. A small quarto volume, consisting of three dif-
ferent MSS. bound together, which originally had no connection with each other.
Prefixed is an imperfect list of contents, in the hand-writing of James, the Bodley
Librarian.

The first portion consists of a panegyrical oration in Latin by Justus de Justis,
on John Chedworth, archdeacon of Lincoln, dated at Verona, 16 July, 1468. It
occupies thirty-six folios, written on vellum, and is the original copy presented by
the author.

The second portion is that we are more immediately concerned with. It is de-
scribed by James as " Vetus poema Anglicanum, in quo sub insomnii figmento mulla
ad religioiiem et mores spectantia explicantur," and this account with some slight
changes is adopted by Smith and Planta, in their catalogues ; both of whom assign
it to the fifteenth century. It will appear, by what follows, that no less than four
distinct poems have been confounded together by these writers.

This portion of the volume extends from fol.37 to fol. 126, inclusive, and is written
by one and the same hand, in a small, sharp, irregular character, which is often,
from the paleness of the ink, and the contractions used, difficult to read. There are
no titles or rubrics, but the divisions are marked by large initial letters of blue,
florished with red, and several illuminations, coarsely executed, serve by way of
illustration, each of which occupies a page.

1. Four of these are prefixed to the first poem. In the first the Author is
represented slumbering in a meadow, by the side of a streamlet, clad in a
long red gown, having falling sleeves, turned up with white, and a blue hood

xlviii

attached round the neck. In the second the same person appears, drawn on
a larger scale, and standing by the stream. In the third he occurs nearly
in the same position, with his hands raised, and on the opposite side a lady
dressed in white, in the costume of Richard the Second's and Henry the
Fourth's time, buttoned tight up to the neck, with long hanging sleeves. Her
hair is plaited on each side, and on her head is a crown. In the fourth we
see the author kneeling by the water, and beyond the stream is depicted a
castle, or palace, on the imbattled wall of which appears the same lady, with
her arm extended towards him.
The poem commences on fol. 39, and consists of one hundred twelve-line stanzas,
every five of which conclude with the same line, and are connected by the itera-
tion of a leading expression. It commences thus : —

Perle plesaunte to prynces paye.
To clanly clos in golde so clere,
Oute of oryente I hardely saye
Ne proued I neuer her precios pere ;
So rounde, so reken in vche araye.
So smal, so smothe her sydej were,
Quere so euer I iugged gemraej gaye
I sette hyr sengeley in synglure.
Alias ! I lefte hyr in on erbere,
purj gresse to grounde hit fro me got ;
I dewyne for dowed of luf daungere,
Of fat pryuy perle w'outen spot.

The writer represents himself as going in the month of August to seek his pearl
or mistress, and falling asleep in a flowery arbour. He is carried in his vision to a
stream near a forest, which flows over pebbles of emeralds and sapphires. On the
other side he perceives a chrystal cliff, and " a mayden of menske" sitting beneath.

At the fote ther of ther sete a faunt,
A mayden of menske ful debonere ;
Blysnande whyt watj hyr bleaunt,
I knew hyr wel, I had sene hyr ere.
As glysnande golde )>at men con schere,
So schon }iat schene an vnder schore j
On lenghe I Ioked to hyr j>ere,
pe lenger I knew hyr more & more.

The lady rises and approaches him, and in answer to his inquiries blames him for

xlix

supposing her lost. He wishes to pass the stream, but is told he may not till after
death. The lady thence takes occasion to instruct him in religious doctrines, which
are of a mystical tendency. The celestial Jerusalem is then pointed out to him,
and he beholds a procession of virgins going to salute the Lamb. The lady leaves
him to take her place among them; and on his attempting to jump into the stream
to follow her, he awakes. The poem concludes on fol. 55b.

2. Then follow two more illuminations ; in the first of which Noah and his
family are represented in the ark ; in the second the prophet Daniel ex-
pounding the writing on the wall to the affrighted Belshazzar and his queen.
These serve as illustrations to the second poem, which begins at fol. 57, and is
written in long alliterative lines.

Clannesse who so kyndly cowfe commende,
& rekken vp alle J>e resown; ]>' ho by ri3t askej,
Fayre formej myjt he fynde in forering his speche,
& in Jie contrare kark & combraunce huge.

The first part of this poem is occupied with the parable of the marriage-feast, as
applicable to cleanness of life. In the second is related the fall of the angels,
the creation, and principal events of scripture history to the destruction of Sodom,
after which follows a long passage on the birth of Christ, and reflexions of a moral
character. The third part embraces the history of Daniel ; and concludes on fol. 82.

3. Two illuminations precede, as before ; one of which represents the sailors
throwing the prophet Jonas into the sea, the other depicts the prophet in the
attitude of preaching to the people of Nineveh. The poem is Li the same
metre as the last, and commences thus, fol. 83 : —

Pacience is a poynt, J>a; hit displese ofte ;
When heuy herttes ben hurt wyth hejiyng, other elles,
Suffraunce may aswagen hem, & }>e swelme lethe,
For Ho quelles vche a qued, & quenches malyce.

It is occupied wholly with the story of Jonas, as applicable to the praise of meek-
ness and patience ; and ends on fol. 90.

i. The Romance intitled by me Syr Gawayn and the Grene Kny)t follows,
fol. 91. Prefixed is an illumination, of which an outline engraving is given at
p. 18 of the present volume, and needs no further description, except that here
and elsewhere the only colors used are green, red, blue, and yellow. A fac-
simile of the first page of the poem itself is also annexed. It ends on fol. 124b,
and at the conclusion, in a later hand is written " Hony foit q mal penc,"

m

1

which may, perhaps, allude to the illumination on the opposite page, fol.
125, representing the stolen interview between the wife of the Grene KnyU
and Syr Gawayne. (See p. 45.) Above the lady's head is written :
Mi mind is mukul on on, J>' wil me nojt amende,
Sum time was rrewe as fton, & fro fchame coupe hir defende.

It does not appear very clearly how these lines apply to the painting. Two ad-
ditional illuminations follow ; in the first of which Gawayne is seen approaching the
Grene Chapel, whilst his enemy appears above, wielding his huge axe (see p. 82.) ;
and in the second Sir Gawayne, fully equipped in armour, is represented in the
presence of king Arthur and queen Guenever, after his return to the court. (See
p. 91.) The form of the helmet worn by the knight is here worthy of notice.

The third and concluding portion of the Cotton volume extends from fol. 127 to
fol. 140h, inclusive, and consists of theological excerpts, in Latin, written in a hand
of the end of the thirteenth century. At the conclusion is added Epitaphium de
Ranulfo, ablate Ramesiensi, who was abbat from the year 1231 to 1253, and who
is erroneously called Ralph in the Monasticon, vol. ii. p. 548, new ed.

II. The Thornton MS. preserved in the Library of Lincoln Cathedral, and
marked A. 1. 17. It is a folio volume written on paper, in a small and occasionally
negligent hand, consisting at present of 314 folios, but imperfect both at the be-
ginning and end, and otherwise much injured by neglect1. It was apparently com-
piled by one Robert de Thornton, between the years 1430-1440. The Contents
are,

1. Life of Alexander; in prose, fol. 1.

Beg downe to pe dyke, and thare he felle, and was alle to-frusched.

At the conclusion we read, " Here ende} ]>e lyf of gret Alexander, conquerour of

1 This MS. was liberally lent to me in 1832, for a considerable period, by the Dean and Chapter
of Lincoln. It was then in thick oaken boards, covered with white leather, and fastened by a clasp,
but in so decayed a state, and the leaves in such loose disorder, as to make it absolutely necessary, for
the sake of preserving it from destruction, to have it rebound. This I caused to be done, at my own
expense, in a " good solid attire of Russia leather," and I prefixed to it a list of the contents, drawn
up with considerable labor, to which I affixed my initials. It was therefore with some surprise I
found, on looking into Dr. Dibdin's " Bibliographical Tour in the Northern Counties," 8vo, 1838, that
in vol. i. pp. 110-116, the whole of this list was copied in my own words, (with some very trifling
alterations, and some very glaring blunders,) without any proper acknowledgement to myself as the
author, but on the contrary, at p. 1 1 7, the description is assigned to " Mr. Jl'illson's enlarged notice."
Justice to myself requires me to state this. Either Dr. Dibdin or Mr. Willson has not treated me
fairly in this matter.

alle ]>e icorlde." It is a literal translation of the Latin prose Life, printed at Stras-
burg, in 1494, and from this or a similar version the alliterative Scotish Romance
in MS. Ashmole 44, seems to have been versified.

On the verso of fol. 49 is written in a later hand than the usual text, " Isto die
natits fuit, sancta Maria ante [Nativitatem?~\ Domini noslri Jhesu Christi, Ro-
bertas Thornton in Ridaylle, anno Domini m°CCCCLIU."

2. Prognostications of the weather, etc., written in a different and more re-
cent hand. fol. 50.

3. Lamentacio Peccatoris. fol. 51b.

Beg. Alle crystyn men ]>' wawkes me bye.

In twenty stanzas of four lines each, written in a later hand than Thornton's.
On fol. 52b is a rude drawing in pen and ink of a combat between a knight and
a giant, executed apparently by the same hand.

4. Here begynnes 3Iorte Arthure. fol. 53.

Beg. Now grett glorious godd | thurghe grace of hym seluene,
And the precyous prayere | of hys prys modyr.

At the bottom of the page is written in red, rpf ** f ygV En espyrance

may .... On fol. 93b occurs also the name of " Robart Thornton," in a scroll at-
tached to an initial letter, and at the end of the poem occurs, " Here endes Morte
Arthure, writene by Robert of Thorntone." A later hand adds, " R. Thornton dic-
iii.-. qui scripsit sit benedictus. Amen." Bishop Tanner, and after him Ritson and
others, have considered Thornton here and elsewhere as the author, but he is evi-
dently only the scribe. In all probability, this Romance is the "gret Geste of Ar-
thure," ascribed by Wyntown to Hucheom (See Notes, p. 303.)

5. Here by-gynnes the Romance off Octavyane. fol. 98b.

Beg. Mekylle and littille, olde and jynge,
Herkyns alle to my talkynge.

In six-line stanzas. Unfortunately one half of fol. 108 has been torn away. It
differs from the Romance printed by Weber, from the Cotton MS. Calig. A. II., but
agrees with the copy at Cambridge, among Bp. More's MSS. in the Public Library,
No. 690. (Ff.ii.38.)

6. Here begynnes the Romance off Syr Ysambrace. fol. 109.

Beg. Jhesu Xp'c, Lorde of heuene kynge,
Graunte vs alle his dere blyssynge.

In six-line stanzas. At the end is, " Explicit Syr Ysambrace." It differs much

g2

lii

from Copland's edition, reprinted by Utterson in his Early Popular Poetry, vol. i.
p. 77.

7. Here bygynnes ye Romance off Dyoclicyane y* Emperour 8f ye Erie Be-
rade of Tliolous, and ofye Emprice Beaulilione. fol. 1 14b.

Beg. Jhesu Criste, God and Lorde in Trynyte,
Onely god and persones thre.

In six-line stanzas. The close of this Romance has been torn away. It is printed
by Ritson, Metr. Rom. vol. iii. p. 93, from Bp. More's MSS. in Publ. Libr. Cam-
bridge, No. 690, and a third copy exists in the Ashmolean Museum, No. 45.

8. Vita Sancti Christofori. \_Her~\e bygynnes ye lyffe of ye Story of
\_S~]aynte Cristofre. fol.l22b.

Beg. Lordynges, if it be jowre wille,

And je wille here, and holde jow still.

In six-line stanzas. At the end is, " Explicit Vita Sancti Christofori. Thorntone"

9. Syr Degreuance. fol. 130.

Beg. Jhesu, Lorde in Trynite

Graunte Jam heuene for to see.

In eight-line stanzas. At the close is, " Explicit Syr Degreuaunt." The name is
printed erroneously Degrenante by Laing, (who conjectures it may be Sir Degore,
which it is not,) and Dygamore by Dibdin. Ritson in his MS. Catalogue of Ro-
mances, MS. Add. 10,285, Append., mentions another copy as existing among Bp.
More's MSS. at Cambridge.

10. Jncipit Syr Eglamour of Artasse. fol. 138b.

Beg. Jhesu )>' is heuens kyng,
Gyff vs alle his blyssyng.

In six-line stanzas. There are other copies in MS. Cott. Calig. A. II., and MS.
More, 690. It was printed by Chepman and Myllar at Edinburgh, in 1508, and
subsequently by Copland, and by Walley, at London.

11. De Miraculo beate Marie, fol. 147.

Beg. Jhesu, Lorde in Trinyte,

p' was, and es, and aye schalle be.

In six-line stanzas. The story relates to a wicked knight, who is converted from
his sins by a friar.

liii

12. Lyarde. fol. 148.

Beg. Lyarde es ane olde horse, and may noght wele drawe.
He salle be putt in to fe parke, holyne for to gnawe.

At the end is, " Here etulys Lyarde." The tale is of an indecent cast.

13. Tomas off Ersseldomte. fol. 149b.

Beg. Lystyns, lordynges, bothe grete and sraale.

In stanzas of four lines each. At the end, "Explicit Thomas of Erseledottmne."
It is imperfect; part of fol. 152 and nearly the whole of fol. 153 having been torn
away. It was printed from this copy by Laing in his Popular Poetry of Scotland,
4>to, 1822, and previously had appeared in Scott's Border Minstrelsy and Jamieson's
Popular Ballads, from the Cotton MS. Vitell. E. \., and MS. More Ff. v. 48.

14. Here by-gynnes the Awntyrs of Arthure at the Terne-Wathelyne. fol. 154.
Printed in the present Volume, p. 95. A fac-simile of the commencement is an-
nexed, which will shew the general character of the MS.

15. Here bygynnes the Romance off Syr Perecyuelle of Gales, fol. 161.

Beg. Let, lythes to me.

Two wordes or thre.

In stanzas of eight lines. No other copy is at present known, but it is but of
little merit as a composition.

16. 17, 18. Charms for the tooth-ache. fol. 176.

19. Epistola Sancti Salvatoris. fol. 176b.

20. Prayer in Latin, with a Proem in English, fol. 176b.

21. A Preyere off the Fyve Joyes of oure Lady [in] Ynglys, and of the
Fyve Sorowes. fol. 177b.

22. Psalmus, Voce mea ad Dominion clamaui. fol. 178.

23. Here hygynnys Fyve Prayers to the wirchipe of the Fyve Wondys of
oure Lorde Jliesu Cryste; in Latin, fol. 178.

24. Oracio in Ynglys. fol. 178b.

25. A Colett to oure lady Saynt 3Iarye; in Latin, fol. 178b.

26. Oracio in modo Collccte, pro amico. fol. 178b.

27. Antiphona Sancti Leonardi, cum Collecta. fol. 178b.

28. Here begynnes the Previte off the Passiomie of ' ourre lorde Jhesu. fol. 179.

Beg. Who so desyres to fynd comforthe and gostely gladnes.

At the end is written, " Explicit Bonaitenture de Misterijs Passionis Jliesu
Christ i."

liv

29. Incipit tractatus Williehni Nassyngtone, quondam Aduocali Juris Ebo-
raci, de Trinitate et Vnitale, cum deelaracione operum Dei, et de passione
Domini nostri Jhesu Christi, etc. fol. 189.

Beg. A, Lord God of myghtes maste, Fadere and Sone, and Haly Gaste,
Fader, for J>° ert almyghty, sone for thow ert alle wytty.

Tanner notices this poem from the present MS., and so does Warton, Hist. Engl.
Poetry, vol. iii. p. 9, who with his usual inaccuracy confounds it with Nafsyngton's
translation of John de Waldeby's Myrrour, and then assigns the author to the year
1480 ; although in the Royal Library, British Museum, there is a copy of Nafsyng-
ton's version of the Myrrour, dated in 1418, MS. Reg. 17, C. viii.
30, 31, 32. Prayers in verse, fol. 191b.

33. Of the vertu^ of the haly name of Jhesu. fol. 192.

A translation from Richard Hampole's comment on the verse Oleum effusum
nomen tuum, etc.

34. A tak\at Richerde Hermet {inade~\. fol. 193b.

Beg. When I hade takene my syngulere purpos, and Iefte Y seculere habyte.

35. A prayere \at y same Riclterde Hermet made, f' es beried at Hampidk :
in Latin, fol. 193b.

36. Ympnus, quern composuit Sanctus Ambrosyus. fol. 193b.

37. De imperfecta contricione. fol. 194.

Beg. Rycherde hermyte reherces a dredfulle tale.

38. Moralia Richardi Iieremite, de natura apis. fol. 194.

Beg. The bee has thre kyndis.

At the foot of this folio is written " Edward Thornton," in a hand of Henry
the Eighth's time.

39. De vita cujusdam puelle inehise propter amorem Christi. fol. 194b.

Beg. Alswa Heraclides, Y clerke, telles.

At the close is, " Richerd heremyte reherces pis tale in ensampille."

40. 41. Two Latin extracts from "Richardus Herymyta." fol. 195.

42. A notabille Trelys off the ten Comandemenlys, drawene by Richerde the
hermyte off Hampulle. fol. 195b.

Beg. The fyrste comandement es. Thy Lorde God J>" salle loute.

43. Idem de septem donis Spiritus Sancti, Also of fe gyftes of the Haly
Gaste. fol. 196.

lv

44. Idem de dilectacione in Deo. Also o/*]>e same, delyte and yemyng of Gode.
fol. 196b.

45. Incipit Specidum Sancti Edmundi, Cantuar. Archiepiscopi, in Atiglicis.
Here begynnys the Myrrour of Seynt Edmonde, ]>e Ersebechope of Canter-
berye. ff. 197-209.

Beg. J'idete vocacionem vestram. This wordes sayse saynte Paule.

Edmund Rich, the author of the Latin original of this treatise, died in 1242.

46. Tractatus de dominica oracione. fol. 209b.

Beg. In alle the wordes J>at er stabilled.

47. Poetical address to Christ, fol. 211.

Beg. Jhesu Criste, saynte Marye sonne.

In stanzas of four lines. At the end is, Explicit. Amen. ThomtoJie. Amen.

48. Another metrical orison, in six-line stanzas, fol. 21 lb.

Beg. Fadir, and Sone, and Haly Gaste.

49. Another, to Christ, fol. 212.

Beg. Jhesu Criste, Goddes sune of heuene.

50. Incipit a Meditacione of ]>e Fyve Woundes of oure Lorde Jhesu Criste ;
in Latin, fol. 212.

51. A Meditacione of the Crosse of Criste ; in Latin, fol. 21 2b.

At the end is added, " R. Thorntone dictus, qui scripsit sit benedictus. Amen."

52. Moral Poem, in stanzas of four lines, fol. 213.

Beg. When Adam dalfe and Eue spane | Go spire, if ]?" may spede,
Whare was )>ane t>e pride of mane | fat nowe merres his mede.

53. Six lines of poetry ; perhaps composed by Thornton himself, fol. 21 3b.

Beg. Jhesu Criste, have mercy one me.

54. Here begynnes a Sermone pat Dane Joh'n Gaytryge made, }>e ivhilke
teclies how scrifte es to be made, and wliare of, and in scrifte how many thynge$
solde be co/isederide. fol. 213b.

Beg. Als a grett doctour schewes in his buke.

55. Hymn to Christ ; in four-line stanzas, fol. 219.

Beg. Jhesu, thi swetnes wha moghte it se.

lvi

56. Religious treatise, in prose, fol. 21 9b.

Beg. Dere frende, wit J>° wele, J>at j>e ende and j,e soueraynte of perfeccione.

57. Moral Poem. fol. 222.

Beg. pi joy be ilke a dele to serue thi Godd to paye.

Imperfect at the end, as is the next piece at the beginning, a folio having been
here torn out.

58. Treatise on Active and Contemplative Life, fol. 223.

Beg menne J>at ware in prelacye, and ofer also J>at ware haly temporalle menne.

59. Prose religious treatise, fol. 229b.

Beg. Wit thou wele, dere frende, fat Jof J>ou had neuer done syne.

60. Of Sayne Joh'n J<e euaungelist. fol. 231.

Beg. Of alle mankynde J>at he made, fat maste es of myghte,
And of J)e molde merkede and mesured that tyde.

An alliterative poem in stanzas of fourteen lines each, of which the third, fifth,
and seventh rhyme, and the second, fourth, sixth and eighth. At the close are six
shorter lines, of which the first, second, fourth and fifth rhyme, and the third and
sixth.

61. Prose tract on Prayer. fol.233b.

Beg. Prayng es a gracyous gyfte of owre Lorde Godd.

62. Be gracia Dei. fol. 240.

Beg. Off Goddis grace stirrand and helpand.

63. Hie incipit quedam reuelacio. A Reuelacyone schewede to ane holy wo-

'•■m in now one late tyme. fol. 250.

Beg. Alle manere of thyng J>at es by-gunne.

This revelation is stated to have occurred on St. Lawrence's day, 1422, which
may assist in determining the age of the Manuscript.

64. 65. Two hymns, in Latin, fol. 258.

66. Here bygynnys Sayne Jerome Spaltyre ; in Latin, fol. 258b.
Adjoined are various Latin prayers. On the margin of fol. 266 is written in a
hand of the sixteenth century, " Dorythy Thornton."

lvii

67. Religio Sancti Spiritus religio manda. fol. 271-

Beg. Off the Abbaye of Saynte Spirite, that es in a place that es callede
Conscyence. A, dere brothir and systirs.

This is the well-known treatise of the " Abbaye of the Holy Goste," generally
ascribed by bibliographers to John Alcoek, bishop of Ely, who died about 1498.
That this statement is erroneous, appears not only from the presumed date of the
present MS., but by the fact, that there is a copy of the treatise in the Vernon MS.
Bodleian Library, written in the reign of Richard the Second, before Alcoek was
bom ! Among the MSS. preserved in the library at Lambeth, No. 432, art. 2, a
copy of this treatise is attributed to Richard Hampole, and this statement is not
unlikely to be the true one.

68. A religious Poem. fol. 276b.

Beg. The begynnyng es of thre.

69. Ista oracio que sequitur est de vii.gaudia (sic) beate Marie virginis, per
sanctum Thomam et Martirem, Cantuariensem episcopum edita. fol. 277b.

70. Ano\er Salutacioune tille oure Lady, ofhirfyve Joyes ; in Latin, fol. 277b.

71. Ane Antyme to ]>e Fudir ofhetiene, ivl a Colett; in Latin, fol. 278.

72. Ano\ier anteme of Y passyoune of Crisle Jhesu ; in Latin, fol. 278.

73. A Colecte of grete pardone oon to Crist Jhesu; in Latin, fol. 278.

74. Latin hymn to Christ, fol. 278b.

At the top of the page is written, " Thorntone. Misereatur mei Deus ! "
15. A Preyere to j>e wounde in Crystis syde ; in Latin, fol. 278b.

76. Memento, homo, quod sinis (sic) es, a Poem in four-line stanzas, each of
which rhymes with the same syllable, fol. 279.

Beg. Erthe owte of erth : es wondirly wroghte,

Erthe hase getyn one erthe : a dignyte of noghte.

77. Hie incipit liber de diuersis medicinis, et primo, pro capite, ff. 280-314b.

Beg. For werke and vanyte ine y hede.

This treatise is imperfect, the latter leaves having been wholly or partly torn
away. The authority of the Rector of Oswaldkirk is often referred to by the com-
piler, and the names of Magister Will, de Excestre and Syr Apiltone are also
cited.

The scribe and compiler of this volume, Robert de Thornton, is stated by Mr.
Laing to have held some situation in the cathedral of Lincoln, and afterwards to
have become archdeacon of Bedford, and to have died in May, 1450. The internal

h

lviii

evidence of the volume is altogether against such a supposition. From the general
contents it appears evidently to have been compiled by a native of Yorkshire, and
in all probability by a member of the family of Thornton, which was seated in the
Wapontake of Rydale, in the North Riding of Yorkshire, in whose possession it
remained till the close of the sixteenth century, as appears by the entries on if. 194
and 266. Compare the pedigree of Thornton in MS. Harl. 6070, fol. 11, in which
the same family names occur. The mention of the Rector of Oswaldkirk and Syr
Apilione concur to prove this conjecture, since Oswaldkirk and Appleton both lie
in the same immediate district. Ritson's supposition {Bibl. Poet, p. 107.), that
the compiler of the MS. was the same person as Robert de Thornton, Prior of
Bardney, in Lincolnshire, is improbable, but it is possible that he may have been
the same who was Vicar of Silkeston in the Deanery of Doncaster, in the year 1425.
See MS. Add. 11,400, p. 55.

III. MS. Douce, now in the Bodleian Library. It consists of eleven folios of
coarse paper, written in a large, inelegant, but very legible character, in the reign
of Edward the Fourth. The guide-lines for the scribe have been ruled with a rough
plummet, and at the bottom of each leaf is a series of signatures in red, beginning
with a. i., and ending with b. Hi. The large initial letter at the commencement is
coarsely colored with red. There are about thirty lines on a page, and no punctua-
tion is used except in the middle of a line. On the inside of the cover appears the
autograph of "J. Baynes, Greys Inn, 1781."

IV. Porkington MS. No. 10. A small quarto volume, written on vellum and
paper, in the reign of Edward the Fourth, ff. 211. Its Contents are as follows:

1. Secundum Anticos Grecorum. fol. 1.

Beg. The man fat falle}> syke )>e fyrst day of eny mone}>.
This tract consists of rules for sickness or health on certain days ; the lucky and
unlucky days ; rules for the weather ; natures of the planets, etc. ; and concludes
with a short chronology, from the beginning of the world to the battle of Agincourt,
in 1415.

2. A Calendar of the days, hours, and minutes in each montn. fol. 4.

On fol. 4b occur the names of Griffyth Owen of the county of Carnarvon, and
of John Williams, petty constable of the parish of Llanarmon.

3. A Table of the hours of day and night, fol. 5b.

4. Rules regarding Nativities ; in Latin, fol. 6.

5. Explanation of a Calendar made a.d. 1463 (which is missing) ; of the
feast-days, hours of the day, altitude of the sun, etc. fol. 6b.

lix

6. Rules for venesection, etc., with a figure, fol. 7.

7. A Table of Eclipses, calculated for the years 1462-1481. fol. 7b.

8. For knowlege of the impressions concerning \e wedyr, fol. 8b.

Beg. Fyrst it ys to know y that the eyere ys deuyded.

9. For to know in what sygne and degre fe mone ys. fol. 1 1 .

10. Syre Gawene and the Carle of Carelyle. fol. 12.

Printed in the present volume, Append. No. I. There is no title to this ro-
mance in the MS. A leaf is out of place between ff. 14 and 15, which ought to be
fol. 66.

11. Here begynnylhe a schorte tretice for a manne to knowe wyche tyme of
the yere hit is best to graffe or to plante treys, and also to make a fre to here a
maner frute ofdiuerys colourys and odoivrys, w' many othere thyngys. fol. 27.

Beg. When the mone is in tauro, hit is good to plante treys of pepyns.

12. Some other receipts of the same nature, which may be part of the same
treatise, fol. 32.

13. Here begynnythe thecrafte of lymnynge ofbokys, etc. fol. 33.
Beg. To temper vermelone to wryte ther w', grynde vermelone one a stone.

At the end is added on a scroll the name of the scribe or compiler, " H. Hattun."

14. A Poem without title ; in six-line stanzas, fol. 53.

Beg. Louely lordynges, ladys lyke,
Wyues and maydyns ryallyke.

15. The Tale of Ten Wives ; an amusing but indelicate Poem, in stanzas of
six lines, fol. 56b.

Beg. Leve, lystynes to me,
Two wordys or thre.

16. Complaint of a Lover, in four-line stanzas, fol. 59b.

Beg. Lord, how schalle I me complayne.

17. Moral Poem, in stanzas of four lines, fol. 61.

Beg. As I went one my playing.

18. Vision of St. Philibert, or Disputation between the Body and the Soul ;
in stanzas of seven lines ; translated from the Latin, fol. 63b.

Beg. The fadyr of pytte and most of myserycorde.

h2

lx

19. Moral Poem, in stanzas of five long lines and one short one. fol. 79b.

Beg. Erthe vppon erth is woundyrly wrojte.

A much enlarged copy of the poem in the Lincoln MS. A. 1. 17- fol. 279.

20. Mourning of the Hare. fol. 81b.

Beg. Bi a forrest as I gane fare.

A much better and fuller copy than that printed in Hartshorne's Metrical Tales,
p. 165 ; from MS. More, Ff. v. 48.

21. The Rnylte his ivyfe, in couplets, fol. 83".

Beg. Ther was a knyjt in a eu[n]ttre,
Y ryche man was wont to be.

22. The holly mane sente Marttayne. fol. 86b.

Beg. As he lay in his wesione.

23. Narracyone of sente Tantene. fol. 87.

Beg. Saynt Antony also manny a tyme.

24. Poetical address to the Virgin ; in four-line stanzas, fol. 87b.

Beg. Off alle j>e bryddus Y euer jeyt were.

25. For Y molde ]>' ys fallow doune ; a receipt in prose, fol. 89b.

26. Several more receipts of a similar description, fol. 90.

27. Her begynnethe fe lyfe of ]>e glorus uergyne seynt Katryne, ]>e wyche lyjf'e
was wrytyne of Athanaysns, ]>e gret doctor ; in prose, fol. 91.

Beg. In ]>e grete cite of Alexandyr ther was a kynge.

28. A strange prosaical medley ; in the form of an epistle, fol. 129.

Beg. A, syre, A, je syr, and ;e, syr Johne.

29. Be trewe, and holde ]>l jc have hy^t ; in stanzas of eight lines, fol. 130.

Beg. Be trewe, and holde )>' je haue hy3te.

30. A similar poem, by the same author, fol. 130b.

Beg. A, dere God, haue I deservyd this.

31. Here bethe the Stacyons of Rome ; in prose, fol. 132.

Beg. In Rome bethe iic. paresche churchs.

lxi

At the end is written, " Exphjcyt tractus de indulgencia romana siue apostolica."

32. Tlie good wyfe wold a pylgremage ; in four-line stanzas, fol. 135b.

Beg. The good wyf wold a pylgremage
Vnto )>e holly londe.

A similar poem to the present, intitled, " How the Goode Wif thought hir
Doughter," was edited by me from a MS. in the possession of C. W. Loscombe,
Esq., of Pickwick House, Wilts, 8vo. 1838.

33. The Friar and the Boy. fol. 139.

Beg. God J1 dyed for vs alle,

And dranke bo)>e eyselle andgalle.

A better and fuller copy than that printed by Ritson, in his Pieces of Ancient
Popular Poetry, p. 35 ; but it omits all the lines after 1. 397, and concludes with
twenty-one different lines instead.

34. A Poem without title; in stanzas of eight lines, fol. 150.

Beg. As I stod in a ryalle haulle.

35. A ludicrous Poem ; in couplets, fol. 152.

Beg. Herkons to my tale }>' I schalle here schow.

At the conclusion we read " Exphjcyt trutallys." A similar strange composition
is printed by Hartshorne, p. 145.

36. Epistle to a lady ; in couplets, fol. 154.

Beg. Honowre w" alle mannere of heylle.
37- Have my hert; in eight-line stanzas, fol. 154b.
Beg. Have alle my hert, and be in peys.

38. Poem without title ; in stanzas of four lines, fol. 153b.

Beg. As I cam by a forrest syde.

39. The Sege of Jerusalem ; in prose, fol 157b.

Beg. Al men y wylle here of }>e sege of Jerusaleme.

At the end, " Her enddyth }>e sege of Jerusaleme!'

40. Terms of Venery, etc., taken from Juliana Barnes, fol. 184.

41. Sentences in verse, fol. 187b.

Beg. Aryse erlly,

And serve god dewoutly.

Ixii

42. Extracts from Juliana Barnes' Treatise of Hawking, fol. 188b.

43. Prophecy of Merlin, fol. 192.

Beg. When J>e cocke in >e northe hathe byld his neste.

Printed among the Collection of Ancient Scottish Prophecies, pp. 6-9, reprinted
for the Bannatyne Club from Waldegrave's edition, 1603.

44. Letter from Balteser, son of the King " of Sarsyn," to the Duke of
"Borgeyne" [Burgundy], fol. 193b.

Beg. Baltesere, be Y grace of Mahounde, sone of fe kynge of Sarsyn.

45. This byne pe presentacyons J)' J)e lordus of )>e cetty of Vennes haue present
to oure fader Y pope geneste \_agenste~\ fe Torke. fol. 194.

46. A Poem without title; in stanzas of twelve lines, fol. 195.

Beg. Timor mortis cotiturbat me,

Thys is my song in my old. i .

A different poem with the same burthen, composed 1" Lydgate, is in MS. Harl.
fol. 128b. and Dunbar also adopted the same refrain in his Lament for the Makkaris.
vol. i. p. 211, ed. Laing, 8vo, 1834.

This and the three following articles are written by a different hand.

47. Seven moral lines, fol. 198.

Beg. Dysseyte disseyvethe.

48. Carol, or song. fol. 198.

Beg. Mery hit ys in May mornyng.

49. Another, fol. 198b.

Beg. The ster he schynythe boJ>e nyjte and day.

50. Carol, or religious poem. fol. 200.

Beg. Why, why, what ys Jis, why hit ys.

51. A Christmas carol, in Latin and English, fol. 201.

Beg. Christe qui lux est, etc.

A baby ys borne, vs blys to brynge.

52. Carol, fol. 202.

Beg. Hey, hey, hey, hey, )>e borrys hede is armyd gay.

Probably imperfect. It differs much from the Boars-head Carols printed by
Ritson and Sandys.

Ixiii

53. Moral Poem, in the form of a dialogue, fol. 203.

Beg. Be a forrest as I gane walke.

At the end is the colophon, " Erplycyt Marcy and Ry]ttus7iis."

54. The Marchand. fol. 207b.

Beg. Lystons, lordyngus, I yow pray.

It is imperfect, endingwith 1. 214 of Ritson's edition in Pieces of Popular Poetry,
p. 77. It contains many various readings from the printed text.

V. MS. Douce. A small quarto volume, ff. 48, written on paper, in the year
1564, and illustrated with rude colored drawings. It contains transcripts of several
Romances, apparently taken from editions earlier than Copland's.

1. Here begynneth the hystorye of the valyaunte hnyght, Syr Isenbras.

It contains several variations from Copland's edition, but is imperfect, ending
with 1.411.

2. Syr Degore.

The MS. commences at 1. 415 of Copland's edition, as reprinted by Utterson,
and is very imperfect. At the end is written, " Here endeth the Tretyse of Syr
Degore." In Heber's sale, Lot 556, was an unique copy of an edition by Wynkyn
de Worde, from which perhaps this transcript was made.

3. Jeaste of Syr Gawayne.

Printed in the present Volume, Append. No. II. It commences imperfectly, and
at the end is drawn a device of a shield bearing three fleurs de lis, supported by
two angels. Beneath are the initials E. B., which are probably those of the tran-
scriber. See Notes, p. 348.

4. Syr Eglamoure.

This is also imperfect Dr. Bliss has in his possession some fragments of an
edition earlier than that of Copland's, which perhaps may have served for the text
of the present transcript. At the end of this MS. is a device of the letters IHS,
and the date 1564, the period of its completion.

VI. The Percy MS. Now in the possession of Ambrose Isted, Esq., of Ecton
Hall, Northamptonshire. A minute account of the volume, with a list of the first
fifty-nine articles in it, is given in Dr. Dibdin's Bibliographical Decameron, vol. iii.
pp. 338-344. I had intended to have completed this list, when indulged with a
sight of the volume in 1831, but I was unable to accomplish my wish. Four ro-
mance-poems are printed from it in the present Volume for the first time.

bciv

VII. MS. Rawlinson, marked C. 86, in the Bodleian Library, and formerly
belonging to Knox Ward, Esq., Clarenceux king of Arms. It is a small folio, and
consists of two distinct portions.

The first, extending from fol. 1 to fol. 30 inclusive, is written on vellum and
paper in a late hand of the fifteenth century. It contains a long English poem on
the Passion of Christ. Prefixed is a rude illumination of the crucifixion.
Beg. Off gostly maters I wylle meve.

At the end is : " Explicit Passio Domini nostri Jhesu Chrisli, composite a quo-
dam sapientissimo in materna lingua, videlicet Anglicorum, hominibus non intelli-
gentibus scripturarum sensus." And below we read : " Iste liber constat . . . (blot) . . .
Wyllnius Aylysburrey, monachus Sa?icti Saluatmis de Bermudesay."

The second portion consists of 159 leaves, and is written on paper in a negligent
hand towards the close of Henry the Seventh's reign. The principal contents are
as follows.

1. Unconnected moral sentences, fol. 31.

Beg. Vtter thy langage wythe good avisement.

2. Policronica ; a prose geographical tract, fol. 31 b.

Beg. Josephus of Jewes J>' nobyl was the firste auctour of the booke of Policronica.

3. Tne tale of Jak and his Stepdame. fol. 52.

Beg. God that died for vs alle.

Printed by W. de Worde, and thence reprinted by Ritson in Pieces of Ancient
Popular Poetry, 8vo. 1791. p. 35. Other manuscript copies, all of which differ
much from each other, exist in MS. More, Ee. 4. 35. (which was printed by Mr.
Wright, in 12mo. Pickering, 1836.) and MS. Porkington, No. 10, f. 139.

4. Four lines of doggerel poetry, in English and Latin, fol. 59.

Beg. Syng I wold, but alas ! discedant prospera grata.

5. Fabula ; a poem of eight stanzas of eight lines each. fol. 59 b.

Beg. Whenne men motythe of byrdys of gret gentree.
The burden of each stanza is, " pulle of her bellys and let her flye." It is pro-
bably composed by Lydgate, but is not found in Ritson's list of his writings.

6. A poem without title, by Lydgate; No. 61. of Ritson's list. fol. 61.

Beg. For helthe of body couere for colde thyne hede.
7- A poem by Lydgate ; No. 214. of Ritson. fol. 62b.
Beg. Beholde, mane, lyfte vp thy eye and se.

lxv

8. A Poem consisting of fourteen eight-line stanzas. The subject is an ad-
dress of Christ to man. fol. 65.

Beg. Late as I wente one myne pleyng.

9. A Poem on the same subject, in eleven stanzas of twelve lines each. fol.

67.

Beg. Thys is GoJdis owne compleynte.

Cf. MS. Lambeth. 853. p. 81.

10. A Poem by Lydgate, being a Lamentation of the Virgin on Christ's
Passion ; No. 201 of Ritson. fol. 69b.

Beg. In a tabernacle of a towre.

1 1. A Poem in ten eight-line stanzas, the burden of which is " I wite my
self myne owne wo." fol. 71.

Beg. In my youthe fulle wylde I was.

Cf. MS. Lamb. 853. p. 226.

12. A Poem containing the Lamentation of our Lady, in twelve eight-line
stanzas, fol. 72b.

Beg. In a chirche as I gane knele.

13. A Poem in eleven twelve-line stanzas, of which the burden is, " Filius
Regis mortuus est." fol 74-b.

Beg. As Jhesu rewlithe myne recheles mynde.

Cf. MS. Lamb. 853. p. 74-.

1 i. Fabula ; a Poem by Lydgate, on the mutability of human affairs, in
twenty-two seven-line stanzas, fol. 77.

Beg. The wor'de so wyde, the ayre so remeveabille.

Other copies occur in MSS. Harl. 7333, f. 192, 2251, f. 23b, 2255, f. 14, and
Trin. Coll., Cambr., R. 3, 21. On the authority of the first of these, Ritson attri-
butes it to one " squiere Halsam."

15. A Poem by Lydgate, in commendation of virtue; No. 95 of Ritson.

fol. 79".

Beg. As of hony menne gadrene swetnesse.

16. A Poem by Lydgate, against self-love; No. 99 of Ritson. fol. 81 b.

Beg. Towarde thende of frosty January.
Printed at the end of an edition of Lydgate's " Proverbes ;" by W. de Worde.
See Collier's Catalogue of the Library at Bridgewater House, p. 179, 4to. 1837.

lxvi

17. A Poem by Lydgate against haste; No *41 of Ritson. fol. 84.

Beg. Alle hast is odious, wher as discrecione.

See another copy in MS. Harl. 2251. f. 77b.

18. Stans puer ad mensam, made in Engles by the monhe of Bery called
Lydgate. fol. 86b.

Beg. My dere chyld, first thy selffe enable.
No. 16 of Ritson. Printed by W. de Worde.

19. A Poem by Lydgate against the forked head-dresses of women, fol. 88.

Beg. Of God and kynde procedethe alle beaute.

Entered by Ritson twice in his list, under Nos. 63 and 157. It is printed by
Sir H. Nicolas, at the end of the Chronicle of London, p. 270, 4to. 1827.

20. A Moral Poem, of four seven-line stanzas, fol. 89b.

Beg. Passe forthe, )>" pilgryme, and brydelle wele )>■ beste.
In Shirley's MS. in the Ashmole Library, No. 59, f. IS, is another copy, intitled
•• Balade moral of gode counsel, made by Gower."

21. A moralle tale of the horse, the goose and the shepe, written by Jhon Lid-
gate, fol. 91.

Beg. Contrauersies, plees and alle discorde.
Printed by Caxton, and also by W. de Worde. Reprinted from the former edi-
tion for the Roxburghe Club, in 1822.

22. Piers of Fidlame. fol. 100.

Beg. A mane that louethe fisshyng and foulyng bothe.

Printed in Hartshorne's Ancient Metrical Talcs, pp. 117-133, 8vo. 1829, from
a MS. in Trinity College, Cambridge. A third copy is in the Public Library,
Cambridge, LI. 4, 14, and a fourth among James's MSS. in the Bodleian Library.
It is entered among Lydgate's poems in Ritson's list, No. 48.

23. Here fohwethe Colyne Blowbols Testament, fol. 106b.

Beg. Whanne that Bachus, the myghti Iorde.

A ludicrous poem, written in a broad style of humour. I do not know of any
other copy.

24. The Complant of Dido, fol. 113.

Beg. Glorie and honowre Virgille Mantuane.

It is falsely ascribed to Lydgate in the MS., and is, in reality, a portion of Chau-
cer's Legende of Good Women; f. cci.b, edit. fol. 1561.

lxvii

25. Landavalle. fol. 119.

Beg. Sothely by Arthurys day

Was Bretayne yn grete nobyle.
This is the Romance of Launfal, but varies very considerably from the copy in
MS. Cott. Calig. A. II., printed by Ritson, Metr. Rom., vol. ii. p. 170; and in Way's
Fabliaux, vol. iii. p. 233, 8vo. 1815. Another copy is in the Lambeth MS. 305.
f. 73 ; and a modernised text is preserved in the Percy MS.

26. The Weddynge of S1 Gawene and Dame Ragnelle. fol. 128b.
Printed in the present volume, Appendix, No. VIII. This is the identical poem

referred to erroneously by Warton as existing in one of the Tanner MSS. (See Notes,
p. 358.) For its discovery, (after the greater part of the sheets of this work was
printed off,) I am indebted to the Rev. Henry O. Coxe, Assistant Librarian of the
Bodleian Library, who most kindly and promptly undertook a transcript, which was
subsequently compared by myself with the Manuscript. It is, unquestionably, the
original of the mutilated poem in the Percy folio, and is sufficiently curious to ren-
der its insertion in the Appendix an object of interest, although, had I been earlier
aware of its existence, some change would probably have been made in the arrange-
ment. The title in the MS. is added by a later hand, and the poem itself is very
carelessly written, so that several lines appear occasionally omitted. An entire page,
containing lines, is, unfortunately, wanting.

27. Tabula; a Poem by Lydgate; No. 120, of Ritson. fol. 141.

Beg. Ther is fulle lytel sicurnesse.
The burden of this poem, which consists of nine eight-line stanzas, is, " That now
is hay summe tyme was grasse." Ritson inserts it in his list, No. 120, on Speght's
authority, but gives no reference to any MS.

28. Gwyscard and Segismonde. fol. 142b.

Beg. Prol. O wofulle worlde, deceyver of mankynde.

Work. Whylome was ther an hyghe and myghty prynce.

It differs from the version of this story by Walter, of which a MS. copy exists in
Trin. Coll. Cambr. R. 3.20, and which was printed by W. de Worde, See Ritson's
Bill. Poet. p. 108.

29. Poem, consisting of six stanzas of seven lines each. fol. 155b.

Beg. Myne hert is set vppone a lusty pynne.
At the end is, " Finis, quod Queue Ehjzabeth ;" by whom must be meant the
queen of Henry the Seventh ; but she is not mentioned as an authoress by Walpole.

30. Grysille. fol. 156b.

Beg. Ther is ryghte atte west syde of Italic

lxviii

This is the Clerke of Oxenforde's Tale, in Chaucer, f. xlib, edit. Speght, 1602.

31. Latin verses, fol. 174.

Beg. Carmina qui letus cecini, cano tristia mestus.

32. Poem in seven-line stanzas, on the murder of a child by the Jews. fol.

174b.

Beg. O goode Lorde, thyne name how mervelous.

This is the Prioresses Tale, in Chaucer, f. lxv. edit. 1602. It is, however, in-
cluded among Lydgate's writings in MSS. Harl. 2251 , f. 69b, and 2382, f. 97 ; whence
Ritson has carelessly inserted it in his list, No. 239.

33. Poem on the Expedition of Henry the Fifth into France, fol. 178.

Beg. God that alle this world gane make.

Attributed to Lydgate in MS. Harl. 565, f. 502 ; and thence printed by Sir H.
Nicolas, in the Chronicle of London, p. 216. A large portion was previously
printed by Hearne, at the end of Tho. de Elmhain, p. 359, from MS. Cott. Vitell.
D. XII. At the end of the present copy is written, " Explicit per Johannem Reve
Free," who may be the transcriber.

34. Poem on the reigns of the English kings, from William I. to Henry VI.

fol. 187.

Beg. This myghti William, duke of Normandy.

Attributed to Lydgate id many MSS., and printed by W. de Worde, 4to- 1530;
as also by Hearne, in Append, to Robert of Gloucester, vol. ii. p. 585. A copy in
MS. Harl. 2251, f. 2b, has an additional stanza on the reign of Edward the
Fourth.

lxix

MARKS OF ABBREVIATION.

d' de, as, knelyd', had', welcomyd', knelyde, hade, welcomyde.
er, as J> , ou9, o}> , aut , m }>e, (her, ouer, aunter, merthe. After the letter

p it is expressed by re, as, p fed, p wey, presed, prewey.
t es, as, kryftf, lyjtf, ftrikf, welterf, krystes, ly$tes, strikes, welter es.
h he, as, high, I nogh, wygh, with, burlich, highe, in-noghe, wyghe, withe,

burliche.
h1 hit.
V, 11', tt fe, lie, as, hondel', hanfell', alt, wilt, fematts, hondele, hanselle, idle,

wille,femalles. In MSS. of the fifteenth century tt is used even with

the final e.
m me, as, tyfh, )>am, hern, seldom, tyme, thame, heme, seldome.
fi ne, as, arfi, myn, an, fythefi, arne, myne, arte, sythene ; it sometimes has

the power of nne, as, gun, ]>en, when, gunne, thenne, whenne.
p per, as, paueture, f lep, pile, perauenture, sleper, perile.
g pro, as, guinces, gfered, prouinces, profered.
H, qd, quod.

" ra, as, g"y|)ed, g"cos, g"ce, p"yde, graythed, gracons, grace, prayed.
r re, as, her , fair , sekor , fyr , here, f aire, sekore, syre.
* ri, as, c'ftmaffe, t'fel, cristmasse, trifel.
u ru, as, tue, true,
f ser, syr.
fpial, special.
y, the.

y, thei ; sometimes thi.
]>s, this.
b*, that.
pu, thou.

" wr, as, to'nayed, cd"t, gou no , yo', tournayed, court, gouernour, your.
r wr, as, Gaynor, yor, Gaynour, your.
5 us, as, Bruts, hos, ]>5, ded5, ell5, Brutus, hous, thus, dedus, ellus ; vs is

written for us.
w', with.

A short stroke over a letter denotes the absence of m or n, as, trames,
tresou, hy, I, etc., trammes, tresoun hym, in.

k

g>pr (S^atoapn
anli

g>pt <0atoajm anti tfje <&xtm &n2$t»

S

[FYTTE THE FIRST.]

[fol. 91.] { — ^ IpEN be fege & be affaut watj fefed at Troye,
pe bor3 brittened & brent to brondej & afkej,
pe tulk tat be trames of trefou b9 \vr03t,
Watj tried for his tricherie, be treweft on erthe ;

Hit wat3 Ennias be athel, & his high kynde, s

pat fiben depreced puinces, & patroues bicome

Welne3e of al be wele 1 be weft iles,

Fro riche Romulus to Rome ricchis hy fwybe,

Wl gret bobbauce bat bur3e he biges vpon fyrft,

& neuenes hit his anne nome, as hit now hat ; 10

Ticius to Tufkan [turnes,] & teldes bigynes ;

Langaberde I Lubardie lyftes vp homes ;

& fer ou9 be French flod FeUx Brut9

On mony bonkkes ful brode Bretayn he fette3, *

Where werre, & wrake, & wonder,

Bi fyj>e3 hat3 wont b9 ine,

& oft bobe blyffe & bluder

Ful fkete hat3 fkyfted fyne.

b 2

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT.

II.

Ande quen J>is Bretayn wat3 bigged bi bis burn rych,
Bolde bredden ber Ine, baret bat lofden,
In mony turned tyme tene bat \vr03ten ;
Mo ferlyes on bis folde han fallen here oft
pen in any ob9 bat I wot, fyn bat ilk tyme.
Bot of alle bat here bult of Bretaygne kyges
Ay wat3 Arthur be hendeft, as I haf herde telle ;
[fol. 9ii'.] for bi an aut9 in erde I attle to fchawe,
pat a felly in fi3t fume men hit holden,
& an outtrage awenture of Arthure3 wond9e3 ;
If 3e wyl lyften bis laye bot on littel quile, t
I fchal telle hit as tit as I i tou herde,
As hit is ftad & ftoken,
In ftori ftif & ftronge,
Wl lei lett'es loken,
I londe fo hat3 ben longe.

III.

pis kyg lay at Camylot vpon kryft-maffe,

W mony lufiych lorde, lede3 of be beft,

Rekenly of be roiide table alle bo rich breb9,

Wl rych reuel ory3t, & rechles m9bes ;

p9 tdnayed tulkes bi tyme3 ful mony,

Iufted ful jolile bife gentyle kni3tes,

Syben kayred to be court, caroles to make.

For ber be feft wat3 ilyche ful fiften dayes,

With alle be mete & be mirbe bat me coube a-vyfe ;

Such glaumande gle glorio9 to here,

Dere dyn vp on day, daiifyg on ny3tes,

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNY^T.

Al \vat3 hap vpon he3e I hallej & chambre3,

With lorde3 & ladies, as leueft hi bo3t ;

With all be wele of re worlde bay woned b9 famen,

}?e moft kyd kny3te3 vnder kryftf feluen,

& be louelokkeft ladies rat eu9 lif haden, .

& he be comlokeft k\s bat he court haldes.

_ ' , . , ',, , , _ . on Idle;

ror al wat3 pis iayre folk 1 her nrlt age,

J?e hapneft vnder heuen,

Kyg hyeft rno of wylle,

Hit were ' now gret nye to neue

So hardy a here 6 hille.

IV.

Wyle nw 3er wat3 fo 3ep rat h* wat3 nwe cumen,
pat day doubble on be dece wat3 re douth ferued,
Fro be kyg wat3 ciimen w* kny3tf 1 to be halle,
J?e chaiitre of be chapel cheued to an ende ;
Loude crye wat3 per keft of clerke3 & ober,
[fol. 92.] Nowel nayted o newe neuened ful ofte ;

& fyben riche forth ninen to reche honde-felle,

Je3ed 3eres 3iftes on liij, 3elde hem bi hond,

Debated bufyly aboute bo giftes ;

Ladies la3ed ful loude, bo3 bay loft haden,

& he bat wan wat3 not wrothe, b' may 3e wel trawe.

Alle bis mirbe bay maden to be mete tyme ;

When bay had walchen, worbyly bay wenten to fete,

pe beft burne ay abof, as hit heft femed ;

Whene Guenore ful gay, graybed 1 be myddes,

Dreffed on be dere des, dubbed al aboute,

1 werere, MS.

6 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT.

Smal fendal bifides, a felure hir ou9

Of tryed Toloufe, of Tars tapites I nogh,

bat were enbrawded & beten wyth he beft gemes, . ,

r , , II in daye ; so

bat myjt be preued of prys wytb penyes to bye,

be comlokeft to difcrye,

per glent w' y3en gray,

A femloker fcat eu9 he fyje,

Soth mo3t no mon fay.

Bot Arthure wolde not ete til al were ferued, at

He watj fo joly of his joyfnes, & fu quat child gered,

His lif liked hy lyjt, he louied pe laffe

Aup9 to lenge lye, or to longe fitte,

So bified him his 3onge blod & his brayn wylde ;

& alfo ano)>9 maner meued hi eke, uo

pat he hur3 nobelay had nomen, he wolde neu9 ete

Vpon fuch a dere day, er hy deuifed were

Of fii auentur9 tyg an vncouj'e tale,

Of fu mayn m9uayle, tat he my3t trawe,

Of alderes, of armes, of o)P auentur9, 94

OJr* fu fegg hy bi-fo3t of fu fiker kny3t,

To joyne wyth hy i iuftyg in joparde to lay,

Lede lif for lyf, leue vchon 0J?9,

As fortune wolde fulfil ho he fayrer to haue.

pis wat3 [the] ki^ges coutenauce where he i co"t were, , . , „
a. . / j *a - i- r inhalle;

At vch tarand felt amog his ire meny,

per fore of face fo fere,

[fol. 92h.] He fti3tle3 ftif i ftalle,

' Of of, MS.

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT.

Ful jcp I bat nw jere,
Much mirthe he mas w' alle.

VI.

Thus b9 ftondes I ftale be ftif kyg his feluen,

Talkkande bifore be hy3e table of trifles ful hende ;

There gode Gawan wat3 g°ybed, Gwenore bifyde,

& Ag"uayn a la dure mayn on bat ob9 fyde fittes,

Bobe be kyges fift9 lues, & ful fiker kr^tes ;

Bifchop Bawdewyn abof bi-gine3 be table,

& Ywan, Vryn fon, ette wit hyfeluen ;

pife were di3t on be des, & derworbly ferued,

& fiben mony fiker fegge at be fidborde3.

pe be firft cors come with crakkyg of trupes,

Wyth mony baner ful bry3t, bat ber bi henged,

Nwe nakryn noyfe wl be noble pipes,

Wylde werbles & wy3t wakned lote,

pat mony hert ful hi3e hef at her towches ;

Dayntes dryuen her wyth of ful dere metes,

Foyfoii of he frefche, & on fo fele difches,

pat pine to fynde he place he peple bi-forne

For to fette be fyluen9, bat fere fewes halden,

Iche lede as he loued hy felue

per laght w' outen lobe,

Ay two had difches twelue,

Good ber, & bryjt wyn bobe.

VII.

Now wyl I of hor feruife fay yow no more,
For vch wy3e may wel wit no wont hat b9 were ,

H on clothe ; r.-s

ful clene

8 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT.

An ob9 noyfe ful newe nejed biliue,
pat be lude my3t haf leue liflode to each.
For vnebe \vat3 be noyce not awhyle fefed,
& be fyrft cd"ce 1 be cd°t kyndely ferued,
per hales I at be halle dor an aghlich mayft9,
On be moft on be molde on mefure hygh ;
Fro be fwyre to be fwange fo fware & fo bik,
& his lyndes & his lymes fo longe & fo grete,
[fol. 93.] Half etayn 1 erde I hope bat he were.

Bot mon moft I algate nryn hy to bene,
& bat be myrieft I his muckel bat my3t ride ;
For of bak & of breft al were his bodi fturne,
Bot his wombe & his waft were worthily fmale,
& alle his fetures fohjande, I forme bat he hade,
For wonder of his hwe me hade,
Set 1 his femblaiit fene ;
He ferde as freke were fade,
& ou9 al enker grene.

VIII.

Ande al gray bed 1 grene bis gome & his wedes,

A ftrayt cote ful ftrejt, bat ftek on his fides,

A mere mantile abof, menfked w' Ine,

Wl pelure pured apert be pane ful clene,

W blybe blaun9 ful bry3t, & his hod bobe,

pat wat3 la3t fro his lokke3, & layde on his fchulderes ;

Heme wel haled hofe of bat fame grene,

pat fpenet on his fparlyr, & clene fpures vnder,

Of bry3t golde, vpon filk hordes, barred ful ryche,

& fcholes vnder fchankes, here be fchalk rides ;

& alle his vefture uerayly wat3 clene v'dure,

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT.

Bobe be barres of his belt & ob9 blybe ftones,
pl were richely rayled I his aray clene,
Aboutte by felf & his fadel, vpon filk werke3,
pat were to tor for to telle of tryfles be halue,
pat were enbrauded abof, wyth bryddes & fly3es,
With gay gaudi of grene, be golde ay I myddes ;
pe pendautes of his payttrure, be proude cropure,
His molaynes, & alle be metail anamayld was bene,
pe fteropes bat he ftod on, ftayned of be fame,
& his arfou3 al after, & his abel fturtes,
pat euer glemed & glent al of grene ftones.
pe fole bat he ferkkes on, fyn of bat ilke,
A grene hors gret & bikke,
A ftede ful ftif to ftrayne,
I brawden brydel quik,
[fol. 93>>.] To be gome he wat3 ful gayn.

IX.

Wei gay wat3 bis gome gered I grene,

& be here of his bed of his hors fwete ;

Fayre fannand fax vmbe-foldes his fchulderes ;

A much berd as ' a bufk oup his breft henges,

pat wyth his hijlich here, bat of his hed reches,

Wat3 enefed al vmbe-torne, a-bof his elbowes,

pat half his armes ber vnder were halched I be wyfe

Of a kyge3 capados, bat clofes his fwyre.

pe mane of bat mayn hors much to hit lyke,

Wei crefped & cemed wyth knottes ful mony,

Folden I wyth fildore aboute be fayre grene,

1 as as, MS.
c

10 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT.

Ay a herle of pe here, an op9 of golde ;
pe tayl & his toppyg twynen of a fute,
& bouden bote wyth a bande of a bryjt grene,
Dubbed wyth ful dere ftone3, as pe dok lafted,
Sypen prawen wyth a pwong a pwarle knot alofte,
per mony belle3 ful bry3t of brende golde rungen.
Such a fole vpon folde, ne freke pat hy rydes,
Wat3 neu9 fene I pat fale wyth fy3t er pat tyme,
He loked as layt fo ly3t,
So fayd al pat hy fy3e,
Hit femed as no mon my3t,
Vnd9 his dyntte3 dry3e.

X.

Whep9 hade he no helme ne hawbrgh naup9,
Ne no pyfan, ne no plate pat pented to armes,
Ne no fchafte, ne no fchelde, to fchwne ne to fuiyte,
Bot I his on honde he bade a holyn bobbe,
pat is gratteft I grene, when greue3 ar bare,
& an ax i his op9, a hoge & vn-mete,
A lpetos fparpe to expoii i fpelle quo fo my3t ;
pe hede of an elr^erde pe large lenkpe hade,
pe grayn al of grene ftele & of golde hewen,
pe bit burnyft bry3t, w' a brod egge,
As wel fchapen to fchere as fcharp rafpres ;
pe ftele of a ftif ftaf pe fturne hit bi-grypte,
[fol. 94.] pat wat3 wauden wyth yrn to pe wande3 ende,
& al bigrauen w' grene, i g"c6s werkes;
A lace lapped aboute, pat louked at pe hede,
& fo aft9 pe halme halched ful ofte,
Wyth tryed taffele3 perto tacched i nogfte,

yse

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT. 1 1

On botoiy of be bry3t grene brayden ful ryche. 220

pis habel belde3 hy T, & be halle entres,

Driuande to be he3e dece, dut he no wobe,

Haylfed be neu9 ane, bot he3e he ou9 loketl.

pe fyrft word bat he warp, " wher is," he fayd,

" pe trou9no" of bis eye ? gladly I wolde , . ,, 225

raviou.
Se bat fegg I fyjt, & w« by felf fpeke, " y

To kny3te3 he keft his y3e,

& reled hy vp & dou,

He ftemmed & con ftudie, 230

Quo wait ber moft renoii.

XI.

Ther wat3 lok)rg on lenbe, be lude to be-holde,

For vcb mo had meruayle quat hit mene my3t,

pat a habel & a horse my3t fueh a hwe lach,

As growe grene as be gres & grener hit femed,

pen grene aumayl on golde lowande bry3t9 ;

Al ftudied bat b9 ftod, & ftalked hy nerre,

Wyth al be wonder of be worlde, what he worth fchulde.

For fele fellyej had bay fen, bot fuch neu9 are,

For bi for fantou & fayry3e be folk bere hit denied ;

per fore to anfware wat3 ar3e mony abel freke,

& al ftouned at his fteuen, & fton-ftil feten,

In a fwogft fylence bur3 \e ^e riche,

As al were flypped vpon flepe fo flaked horlotej,

I deme hit not al for doute,
Bot fu for cortayfye,
Bot let hy bat al fchulde loute,
Caft vnto bat wy3e.

c -J

12 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNY3T.

XII.

pen Arbo" bifore be hi3 dece bat auenture byholde3,

& rekenly hy reir'enced, for-rad was he neu9,

& fayde, " \vy3e, welcii iwys to bis place,

[fol. 94".] pe hede of bis oftel Arthd" I hat ;

Li3t luflych adou, & lenge, I be praye,

& quat fo by wylle is, we fchal wyt aft9."

" Nay as help me," q be habel, " he bat on hy3e fyttes,

To wone any quyle I bis won, hit wat3 not my ernde ;

Bot for be los of be lede is lyft vp fo hy3e,

& by bur3 & by burnes beft ar holden,

Stifeft vnder ftel-gere on ltedes to ryde,

pe wy3teft & be worbyeft of be worldes kynde,

Preue forto play wyth in ob9 pure layke3 ;

& here is kydde cortayfye, as I haf herd carp,

& bat hat3 wayned me hider, I wyis, at bis tyme.

3e may be feker hi bis brauch bat I bere here,

pat I paffe as i pes, & no ply3t feche ;

For had I fouded I fere, I fe3tyg wyfe,

I haue a haubergfi at home & a helme bobe,

A fchelde, & a fcharp fpere, fchinande bry3t,

Ande ob9 weppenes to welde, I wene wel als,

Bot for I wolde no were, my wede3 ar foft9.

Bot if bu be fo bold as alle burne3 tellen, „ . .

a bi ry3t.

p° wyl g°nt me godly be gomen bat I afk,

Arthd" con onfware,

& fayd, " f cortays kny3t,

If bu craue batayl bare,

Here fayle3 bu not to fyjt."

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT. 13

XIII.

" Nay, frayft I no fj^t, I fayth I pe telle,
Hit arn aboute on pis bench bot berdle3 chykler ;
If I were hafped i amies on a heje ftede,
Here is no mon me to raach, for my3te3 fo wayke.
For hy I craue I pis cd"t a cryftemas gome,
For hit is 30I & nwe 3er, & here ar 3ep mony ;
If any fo hardy I pis ho9 holde3 hy feluen,
Be fo bolde I his blod, brayn I hys hede,
pat dar ftifly ftrike a ftrok for an op9,
I fchal gif hy of my gyft pys giferne ryche,
pis ax, pat is heue 1 nogh, to hondel' as hy lykes,
[fol. 95.] & I fchal bide pe fyrft bur, as bare as I fitte.
If any freke be fo felle to fonde pat I telle,
Lepe ly3tly me to, & lach pis weppen,
I quit clayme hit for eu9, kepe hit as his auen,
& I fchal ftonde hy a ftrok, ftif on pis net,
Elle3 pu wyl di3t me pe dom to dele hy an op9, ' ^ '

& 3et gif hy refpite,
A twelmonyth & a day ;
Now hy3e, & let fe tite
Dar any her Tne 03t fay."

XIV.

If he hem ftowned vpon fyrft, ftiller were pane
Alle pe hered-men I halle, pe hy3 & pe lo3e ;
pe renk on his roiice hy ruched I his fadel,
& runilchly his rede y3en he reled aboute,
Bende bis brefed bro3e3, blycande grene,

14 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYjf.

Wayued his berde for to wayte, quo fo wolde ryfe ?
When non wolde kepe h}', w' carp he co3ed ful hy3e,
And rimed hy ful richly, & ry$t hy to fpeke :
" What, is pis Arbures ho9," q pe hapel pene,
" pat al pe ro9 renes of, pur3 ryalmes fo mony ?
Where is now yd" fd"quydrye & yo" coqueftes,
Yd" gryndel-layk, & yd* greme, & yo" grete wordes ?
Now is pe reuel & pe renou of pe roiide table
Ou;-walt wyth a worde of on wy3es fpeche ;
For al dares for drede, wl oute dynt fchewed ! "
Wyth pis he la3es fo loude, pat pe lorde greued ;
pe blod fchot for fcham I to his fchyre face,
He wex as wroth as wynde,
So did alle pat per were,
pe kyg as kene bi kynde,
pe ftod pat ftif mon nere.

XV.

Ande fayde, " hapel, by heuen py afkyg is nys;
& as pu foly hat3 frayft, fynde pe be-houes ;
I know no gome pat is gaft of py grete wordes.
Gif me now py geferne, vpon gode3 halue,
& I fchal bay pen py bone, pat pu boden habbes."
[fol. 95b.] Ly3tly lepe3 he hy to, & la3t at his honde ;
pen feerfly pat op9 freke vpon fote ly3tis.
Now hat3 Arthure his axe, & pe halme grype3,
& fturnely fture3 hit aboute, pat ftryke wyth hit P03L
pe ftif mon hy bifore ftod vpon hyjt,
Herre pen ani in pe ho9 by pe hede & more ;
Wyth fturne fchere per he ftod, he ftroked his berde,
& wyth a coutenafice dry3e he droj dou his cote,

& lere ;

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNY3T. 15

No more mate ne difmayd for hys may dintej,

pen any burne vpon bench hade brojt hy to drynk,

Gawan, bat fate bi be quene,

To be kyg he can enclyne, m

" I be-feche now w' la^e} fene,

pis melly mot be myne."

XVI.

" Wolde 5e worbilych, lorde," q Gawan to be kyg,

" Bid me bo3e fro bis benche, & i'tonde by yow bere,

pat I wyth oute vylanye my3t voyde bis table, 3+5

& bat my legge lady lyked nat ille,

I wolde com to yd" coufeyl, bifore yd" cort ryche.

For me bink hit not femly, as hit is fob knawen,

p'; fuch an afkyg is heuened fo hy3e I yd" fale,

pa3 3e 30" felf be talenttyf to take hit to yd" feluen, 350

Whil mony fo bolde yow aboute vpon bench fytten,

pat vnder heuen, I hope, non ha3er er of wylle,

Ne bett9 bodyes on bent, ber baret is rered ;

I am be wakkeft, I wot, & of wyt febleft,

& left lur of my lyf, quo laytes be fobe, ms

Bot for as much as 3e ar myn em, I am only to prayfe,

No boiite bot yd" blod I in my bode knowe,

& fyben bis note is fo nys, b' no3t hit yow falles,

& I haue frayned hit at yow fyrft, folde3 hit to me,

& if I carp not comlyly, let alle bis cort rych,

Rycbe to-geder con rou,

& fyben bay redden alle fame,

To ryd be kyg wyth crou,

& gif Gawan be game. ot

1G SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT.

XVII.

[fol. 96.] pen comaiided be kyg be kny3t for to ryfe ;
& he ful radly vp ros, & ruchched hy fayre,
Kneled dou bifore be kyg, & cache3 Vat weppen ;
& he luflyly hit hy laft, & lyfte vp his honde,
& gef hy godde3 bleffyg, & gladly hy biddes
pat his hert & his honde fchulde hardi be bobe.
" Kepe be cofyn," q be kjTg, " bat bu on kyrf fette,
& if bu rede3 hy ry3t, redly I trowe,
pat bu fchal byden be bur bat he fchal bede aft9."
Gawan got3 to be gome, w' giferne I honde,
& he baldly hy byde3, he bayft neu9 be hekler.
pen carppe3 to ■£ Gawan be kny3t I be grene,
" Refourme we oure forwardes, er we fyrre paffe.
Fyrft I ebe be, habel, how bat bu hattes,
pat bu me telle truly, as I tryft may ?"
" In god fayth," q be goode knyjt, " Gawan I hatte,
pat bede be bis buffet, quat fo bi-falle3 aft9,
& at bis tyme twelmonyth take at be anob9,
Wyth what weppen fo bu wylt, & wyth no wy3 elle^ ,
pat ob9 onfware3 agayn,
" Sir Gawan, fo mot I hryue,
As I am ferly fayn,
pis dint bat bu fchal dryue."

XVIII.

" Bi gog," q be grene knyjt, " £ Gawan, me lykes,
pat I fchal fange at by fuft bat I haf frayft here ;
& bu hat3 redily rehersed, bi refou ful trwe,

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT. 17

Clanly al be couenaitt bat I be kyge afked,

Saf bat bu fchal fwer me, fegge, bi hi trawbe,

pat bu fchal feche me hi fell", where fo bn hopes 39s

I may be funde vpoa folde, & fych he fuch wages

As bu deles me to day, hifore his doube ryche."

" Where fchulde I wale he," q Gauan, " where is by place '?

I wot neu9 where bu wonyes, bi hy hat me wrojt,

Ne I know not he, kmr3t, hy cort, ne hi name. 400

Bot teche me truly her to, & telle me howe bu hattes,

& I fchal ware alle my wyt to wyne me beder ;

[foi. 06''.] & hat I fwere he for fobe, & by my feker traweh."

" pat is in nogh in nwe 3er, hit nedes no more,"

q he gome I he grene to Gawan he hende, 405

" Gif I he telle trwly, quen I he tape haue,

& hu me fmohely hat3 fmyten, fmartly I he teche

Of my ho9, & my home, & myn owen nome,

pen may hu frayft my fare, & forwarde3 hokle,

& if I fpende no fpeche, hene fpede3 hu J^e bett9, 410

_ 11101 r II uot llokes ;

tor ru may leng I hy londe, & layt no iyrre,

Ta now by gryme tole to he,

& let fe how hu cnoke3."

" Gladly f, for fohe," w

q Gawan ; his ax he ftrokes.

XIX.

The grene kny3t vpon groiide grayhely hy dreffes

A littel lut wl he hede he lere he difkoue93,

His lorjge louelych lokke3 he layd ou9 his croii,

Let he naked nee to he note fchewe. 420

Gauan gripped to his ax, & gederes hit on hy3t,

pe kay fote on he folde he be-fore fette,

18 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT.

Let hit dou ly3tly ly3t on be naked,
pat be fcharp of be fchalk fchyndered be bones,
& fchrak bur3 be fchyire grece, & fcade hit I twyne,
t>at be bit of be brou ftel bot on be groude.
pe fay re hede fro be halce hit [felle] to be erbe,
J?at fele hit foyned wyth her fete, here hit forth roled ;
J?e blod brayd fro be body, b' blykked on be grene ;
& nawber falt9ed ne fel be freke neu9 be helder,
Bot ftybly he ftart forth vpon ftyf fchonkes,
& ruyfchly he ra3t out, here as renkke3 ftoden,
La3t to his lufly hed, & lyft hit vp fone ;
& fyben bo3e3 to his blonk, be brydel he cachehe3,
Steppe3 i to ftel bawe, & ftryde3 alofte,
& his hede by be here I his honde halde3 ;
& as fadly be fegge hy i his fadel fette, . . , ,

As non vnhap had hy ayled, ba3 hedle3 ho we1,
He brayde bis bluk s aboute,
[foi. 97.] ]3at vgly bodi J-'at bledde,
Moni on of hy had doute,
Bi bat his refoirj were redde.

XX.

For be hede in his honde he halde3 vp euen,

To-ward be derreft on be dece he drelfe3 be face,

& hit lyfte vp be y3e-lydde3, & loked ful brode,

& meled b9 much w' his muthe, as 3e may now here.

" Loke, Gawan, bu be gray be to go as bu hette3,

& layte as lelly til pu me, lude, fynde,

As bu hat3 hette I bis halle, herande bife kny3tes ;

1 he were ? . - blunk ?

V i 59 ~-v "-*>w -'• • ■" y Vo* ,_:

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT. 19

To be grene chapel bu chofe, I charge he to fotte,

Such a dunt as bu hatj dalt differued bu habbe3,

To be jederly jolden oa nw 3eres morn ;

pe knyjt of he grene chapel men knowen me mony ;

For hi me for to fynde if bu frayfte3, fayle3 hu neu9, 4ss

J?er fore com, oh9 recreaut be calde, he be-houes."

With a runifch rout be raynej he torne3,

Hailed out at be hal-dor, his lied I his hande,

pat be fyr of be flynt fla3e fro fole houes.

To quat kyth he be-com, knwe non here,

x- y ui. n. £.« i. i 4. - [| what bene?

JNeuy more ben bay wyite fir m queren he wat3 wonen,

pe kyg & Gawen bare,

At bat grene }?ay la3e & grene,

jet breued wat3 hit ful bare, m

A m9uayl amog bo mene.

XXI.

J?a3 Arb9 be hende kyg at hert hade wonder,
He let no femblaiit be fene, hot fayde ful hy3e
To be comlych quene, w^,rth cortays fpeche,

" Dere dame, to clay demay yow neu9 ; 470

Wei by-comes fuch craft vpon c'ftmaffe,
Laykyg of ent9lude3, to la3e & to fyng,
Amog bife, kynde caroles of kny;te3 & ladye3 ;
Neu9 be lece to my mete I may me wel dres,
For I haf fen a felly, I may not for-fake." -r.

He glent vpon f Gawen, & gaynly he fayde,
" Now f, heng vp byn ax, bat hat3 I nogh hewen."
[foi. 97b.] & hit -\Yat3 don abof be dece, on dofer to henge,
per alle men for m9uayl my3t on hit loke,

& bi trwe tytel b9 of to telle ^e wonder. m

d 2

20 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT.

pene bay bo3ed to a borde bile burnes to-geder,

pe kyg & be gode kny3t, & kene me he ferued

Of alle dayntye3 double, as derreft my3t falle,

Wyth alle maner of mete & mynftralcie bobe ; .

Wyth wele wait bay bat day, til worbed an ende,

Now benk wel, f Gawan,

For wobe bat ba ne wonde,

pis auenture forto frayn,

pat bu hat3 tan on honde.

[FYTTE THE SECOND.]

This hanfell' hat3 Arthur of auenturus on fyrft,
In 3onge 3er, for he 3erned 3elpyg to here,
Tha3 hym worde3 were wane, when bay to fete wenten ;
Now ar bay ftoken of fturne werk ftaf-ful her hond.
Gawan wat3 glad to be-gyne bofe gomne3 I halle,
Bot ba3 be ende be heuy, haf 3e no wonder ;
For ba3 man be mery in myde, quen bay ban mayn drynk,
A 3ere 3ernes ful 3erne, & 3elde3 neu9 lyke,
pe forme to be fynifment folde3 ful felden.
For bi bis 30I ou9-3ede, & be 3ere aft9,
& vche fefoii ferlepes fued after oV9 ;
After cryften-maffe com be crabbed lentou,
pat frayfte3 flefch wyth be fyfche & fode more fymple ;
Bot bene be weder of be worlde wyth wynter hit brepe3,

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT. 21

bi bonk

Colde clenge3 adou, cloude3 vp lyften,
Schyre fchede3 be rayn I fchowre3 ful war me,
Falle3 vpon fayre flat, fiowre3 ]>ere fchewen,
Bobe groude3 & be greue3 grene ar ber wede3,
Brydde3 bufken to bylde, & bremlych fygen,
For folace of be fofte fom9 bat lues ber aft9,
& bloffue3 bolne to blowe,
Bi rawe3 rycb & ronk,
pe note3 noble I no3e,
[fol. 98.] Ar herde in wod fo wlonk.

II.

After be fefou of fom9 wyth be foft wynde3,

Quen 3efer2 fyfle3 by feb' on fede3 & erbe3,

Wela wyne is ]>e wort )>at woxes )>er oute,

Wlien ~pe donkande dewe drope3 of be leue3,

To bide a blyfful blufch of he bry3t fune.

Bot be byr3es berueft, & hardenes hy fone,

"\Varne3 hy for be wynter to wax ful rype ;

He dryues wyth dro3t be duft for to ryfe,

Fro be face of be folde to fl)'3e ful hy5e ;

Wrobe w\rnde of be welkyn wraftele3 w' be fiine,

pe leue3 lancen fro be lynde, & lyften on be groiide,

& al grayes be gres, bat grene wat3 ere ;

pene al rype3 & rote3 bat ros vpon fyrft,

& b9 3irne3 be 3ere 1 3ifterdaye3 mony,

& wynter wynde3 a3ayn, as be worlde afke3,

Til me5el-mas mone,

Wat3 cuen wyth wynter wage ;

pen benkke3 Gawan ful fone,

Of bis amo9 uyage.

22 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT.

III.

Jet quyl al-hal-day w' Arb9 he lenges,
& he made a fare on bl feft, for )>e freke3 fake,
W much reuel & ryche of J^e roiide tahle ;
Kny3te3 ful cortays & comlych ladies,
Al for luf of bat lede I longyge bay were,
Bot neu9 be lece ne be lat9 bay neuened hot m9be,
Mony ioyle3 for bat ientyle iape3 ber maden.
For aftter mete, w1 rncfnyg he melej to his eme,
& fpeke3 of his paffage, & pertly he fayde,
" Now, lege lorde of my lyf, leue I yow afk ;
}e knowe be coft of bis cace, kepe I no more
To telle yow tene3 ber of neu9 bot t'fel ;
Bot I am bou to be bur barely to morne,
To fech be gome of be grene, as god wyl me wylle.
pene be heft of be bur3 bo3ed to-geder,
Ay wan, & Errik, & ob9 ful mony,
[foi. 98i>.] f Doddinaual de Sauage, be duk of Clarence,
Launcelot, & Lyonel, & Lucan be gode,
f Boos, & fir Byduer, bigme bobe,
& mony ob9 menfkful, wl Mador de la Port.
Alle bis compayny of court com be kyg nerre,
For to coufeyl be kny3t, with care at her hert ;
pere wat3 much derne doel driuen i be fale,
pat fo worthe asWawan fchulde wende on bat ernde,

To dry3e a delful dynt, & dele no more,

pe knyjt mad ay god chere,

& fayde, " quat fchuld I wonde,

Of deftines derf & dere,

What may mon do bot fonde ! "

\vy th bronde ;

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT. 23

IV.

He dowelle3 her al bat day, and dreffe3 on be morn,

Afke3 erly hys arme3, & alle were bay bro3t ;

Fyrft a tule tapit, ty3t ou; be flet,

& miche \vat3 be gyld gere bat glent ber alofte ;

pe ftif mon fteppe3 beron, & be ftel hondele3,

Dubbed I a dublet of a dere tars,

& fyben a crafty capados, clofed aloft,

pat wyth a bry3t blauner was bouden w* Ine ;

pene fet bay be fabatou3 vpon be fegge fote3,

His lege3 lapped I ftel wc luflych greue3,

W polayne3 piched ber to, policed ful clene,

Aboute his kne3 knaged wyth knote3 of golde ;

Queme quyffewes be, bat coyntlych clofed

His thik brawen by3e3, wf bwonges to-tachched ;

& fyben be brawden bryne of bry3t ftel r)rge3,

Vmbe-weued bat wy3, vpon wlonk ftuffe ;

& wel bornyft brace vpon his bobe armes,

W' gode cowters & gay, & gloue3 of plate,

& alle be godlych gere bat hy gayn fchulde,

Wyth ryche cote armure,
His gold fpore3 fpend w* pryde,
Gurde wyth a bront fill fure,
W filk fayn vmbe his fyde.

V.

[foi. 99.] When he wat3 hafped i armes, his harnays wat3 ryche,
pe left lachet ou9 loupe lemed of golde ;
So harnayft as he wat3 he herkne3 his maffe,

.24 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT.

Offred & honored at be he$e auter ;

Syben he come3 to be kjg, & to his cort ferej,

Lache3 lufly his leue at lorde3 & ladye3 ;

& bay hy kyft & conueyed, bikende hy to kryft.

Bi hat \vat3 Gryngolet grayth, & gurde w' a fadel,

pat glemed ful gayly w* mony golde frenges,

Ay quere naylet ful nwe for bat note ryched ;

pe brydel barred a-boute, w' bry3t golde boiiden ;

pe apparayl of be payttrure, & of be proude fkyrte3,

pe cropore, & be couertor, acorded wyth be arfoue3 ;

& al wat3 rayled on red ryche golde nayle3,

pat al glytered & glent as glem of be fune.

pene hentes he be belme, & haftily hit kyffes,

pat wat3 ftapled ftifly, & ftoffed wyth ine ;

Hit \iat} hy3e on his hede, hafped bihynde,

Wyth a ly3th vryfou ou9 be auentayle,

Enbrawden & boiiden wyth be beft geme3,

On brode fylkyn borde, & brydde3 on feme3,

As papiaye3 paynted pernyg bitwene,

Tortors & trulofe3 entayled fo byk, „ _ . _

, , , U i tone ;

As mony burde ber aboute had be leue wynr,

pe cercle wat3 more o prys,

pat vmbe-clypped hys croii,

Of diamaiite3 a deuys,

pat bobe were bry3t & broil.

VI.

Then bay fchewed hy be fchelde, bat was of fchyr goule3,
Wyth be pentangel de-paynt of pure golde hwe3 ;
He brayde3 hit by be bauderyk, a-boute be hals keftf ,
pat bifemed be fegge femlyly fayre.

I mote

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT. 25

& quy pe pentangel apendej to fiat prynce noble,
I am I tent yow to telle, }>of tary hyt me fchulde ;
Hit is a fygne pat Salamon fet fu quyle, 625

I bytoknyg of trawpe, bi tytle pat hit habbe3,
[foi. 99'1.] For hit is a figure pat halde3 fyue poynte3,
& vche lyne vmbe-lappej & louke3 i oper,
& ay quere hit is emdele3, & Englych hit callen
ou9 al, as I here, pe endeles knot. rao

For py hit acorde3 to pis kny3t, & to his cler arme3,
For ay faythful I fyue & fere fyue fype3,
Gawan \vat3 for gode knawen, & as golde pured,
Voyded of vche vylany, wyth vertue3 endned,
For J>y pe pentangel nwe
He ber I fchelde & cote,
As tulk of tale moft trwe,
& gentyleft kriyjt of lote.

VII.

Fyrft he wat3 funden fautle3 T his fyue wytte3,

& efte fayled neu9 pe freke I his fyue fyngres,

& alle his afyauce vpon folde wat3 i pe fyue woudej

]?at cryft ka3t on pe croys, as pe crede tellej ;

& quere fo eu9 pys mon I melly wat3 ftad,

His pro po3t wat3 i pat pur3 alle op9 pyge3,

pat alle his formes he fong at pe fyue ioye3,

pat pe hende heuen quene had of hir chylde ;

At pis caufe pe kny3t comlyche hade

i pe more half of his fchelde hir ymage depaynted ,

pat quen he blufched perto, his belde neu9 payred.

pe fyft fyue pat I finde pat pe frek vfed,

\Vat3 frauchyfe, & fela3fchyp, for be al pyg

26 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT.

His clannes & his cortayfye croked were neu9,

& pite, pat paffe3 alle poynte3, J>yfe pure fyue

Were harder happed on J?at Impel pe on any oJ>9. ess

Now alle befe fyue type} forfobe were fetled on pis knyjt,

& vchone hatched in oj?, pat non ende hade,

& fyched vpon fyue poynte3, bat fayld neu9,

Ne famned neu9 I no fyde, ne fundred nouber,

W outen ende at any noke i quere ' fynde, mo

Where eu9 pe gomen bygan, or glod to an ende.

per fore on his fchene fchelde fchapen wat3 be knot,

p9 alle wyth red golde vpon rede gowle3,
•, v. • i i II w' lore. 665

[fol. ioo.j pat is pe pure pentaungel wyth pe peple called,

Now gray^ed is Gawan gay,

& la3t his lauce ry3t tore,

& gef hem alle goud day,

He wende for eu9 more.

VIII.

He fperred pe fted w* pe fpure3, & fprong on his way,

So ftif pat pe fton fyr ftroke out per aft9;

Al pat fe3 pat femly fyked i hert,

& fayde foply al fame fegges til op9,

Carande for tat comly, " bi kiyft, hit is fcafe,

pat pu, leude, fchal be loft, bat art of lyf noble !

To fynde hys fere vpon folde, I fayth is not epe ;

Warloker to haf wro3t had more wyt bene,

& haf dy3t 3onder dere a duk to haue worbed ;

A lowande leder of lede3 I londe hy wel feme3,

& fo had bett9 haf ben pe britned to no3t,

1 ay quere ?

bad1 daye;

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT. 27

Hadet wytk an aluifch mon, for angardej pryde.
Who knew eu9 any kyg fuck coufel to take,
As knyjte} I cauelou3 on cryft-maffe gomne3 ! "
Wei muck wat3 be warme water bl walt9ed of yjen,
Wlien bat femly fyre fojt fro bo wonej,
He made non abode,
Bot wy3tly went hys way,
Mony wylfu way he rode,
pe bok as I herde fay.

IX.

Now ride3 his renk bui'3 he ryalme of Logres,
f Gauan on gode3 halue, ba3 hy no gomen bo3t ;
Oft leudle3 alone ke lenge3 on ny3tes,
per he fonde no3t hy byfore he fare hat he lyked ;
Hade ke no fere bot his fole, bi frythe3 & doiie3,
Ne no gome bot god, bi gate wyth to karp,
Til tat ke ne3ed ful nogh 2 1 to be Norbe Wale3 ;
Alle be iles of Anglefay on lyft hak° ke kalde3,
& fare3 ou9 be forde3 by be for-londej,
Ou9 at he Holy-Hede til he hade eft bonk,
I he w\ddreneffe of Wyrale ; wonde her bot lyte
[foi.ioob.] pat auh9 god oh9 gome wyth goud hert louied.

& ay he frayned, as he ferde, at freke3 hat he met,
If hay hade herde any karp of a kny3t grene,
I any groude her aboute, of he grene chapel 3 ;
& al nykked ky wytk nay, hat neu9 I her lyue
pay fe3e neu9 no fegge bat watj of fuche hwe3,
pe kny3t tok gates ftraunge,

of 2;rene.

pat ? 2 nygji p i dapel, MS.

E 2

28 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT.

I mony a bonk vn-bene,
His cher ful oft con chauge,
pat chapel er he my3t fene.

X.

Mony klyf he ou9 clambe I contraye3 ftrauge,
Fer floten fro his frende3 fremedly he ryde3 ;
At vche warbe ober wat9 ber be wy3e paffed,
He fonde a foo hy byfore, hot ferly hit were,
& Vat fo foule & fo felle, bat fe3t hjr by-hode ;
So mony m9uayl bi mout b9 Ipe mon fynde3,
Hit were to tore for to telle of be tenbe dole.
Sumwhyle wyth worme3 he werre3, & w' wolues als,
Suwhyle wyth wodwos, bat woned I be knarre3,
Bobe wyth bulle3 & bere3, & bore3 ob9 quyle,
& etayne3, tat hy a-nelede, of be he3e felle ;
Nade he ben du;ty & drj^e, & drj^tyn had ferued,
Douteles he hade ben ded, & dreped ful ofte.
For werre wrathed hy not fo much, bat wyt9 was wors,
When be colde cler wat9 fro be cloude3 fchadden,
& fres er hit falle myjt to be fale erte ;
Ner flayn wyth be flete he fleped I his yrnes,
Mo ny3te3 be T nogb I naked rokke3,
]f as clat9ande fro be creft be colde borne rene3,
& henged he3e ou9 his hede I hard iiffe ikkles.
pus I peryl, & payne, & plytes ful harde, 1

Bi contray carye3 bis kny3t, tyl kryi't-maffe euen,
pe kny3t wel bat tyde,
To Maiy made his mone,
pat ho hy red to ryde,
[fol. 101.] & wyffe by to hi wone.

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYjT. 29

XI.

Bi a moute on be morne meryly he rydes,
Into a foreft ful dep, )?at ferly wat3 wylde,
Hi3e hillej on vche a halue, & holt wode3 vnder,
Of hore oke3 ful hoge a hundreth to-geder ;
pe hafel & J^e ha3-borne were harled al famen,
W ro3e raged moffe rayled ayr where,
W mony bryddej vnblybe vpon bare twyrges,
pat pitofly ber piped for pyne of be colde.
pe gome vpon Gryngolet glyde3 hem vnder,
pur3 mony niify & myre, mo al hy one,
Carande for his coftes, left he ne keu9 fchulde
To fe be ferny of bat fyre, bat on bat felf ny3t
Of a burde wat3 borne, oure baret to quelle ;
& berfore fykyg he fayde, " I be-feche be, lorde,
& Mary, bat is myldeft moder fo dere,
Of fu herber, ber he3ly I myT3t here maffe,
Ande by matynej to-morne, mekely I afk,
& }>er to preftly I pray my pat9 & aue,
He rode I his prayere,
& cryed for his myfdede,
He faj-ned hy I fybes fere,
& fayde " cros kryft me fpede ! "

XII.

Nade he fayned hy felf fegge bot brye,
Er he wat3 war I be wod of a won I a mote,
Abof a laiide, on a lawe, loken vnder 00363,
Of mony borelych bole, aboute bi be diches ;

& crede.

i hafte ;

30 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNY3T.

A caftel be comlokeft bat eu9 kny3t a3te,
Pyched on a prayere, a park al aboute,
W* a pyked palays, pyned ful bik,
pat vmbe-te3e mony tre mo be two myle.
pat holde on bat on fyde be habel auyfed,
As hit fchemered & fchon bur3 be fcbyre oke3 ;
pene hat3 he hendly of his helme, & he3ly he bonke3
Jefus & fay Gilyan, bat gentyle ar bobe,
[foi.ioib.] pat cortayfly hade hy kydde, & his cry herkened.

" Now bone hoftel," cobe be burne, " I he-feche yow 3ette ! "

pene gedere3 he to Gryngolet w* be gilt hele3,

& he ful chaucely hat3 chofen to be chef gate,

pat bro3t bremly be burne to be bryge ende,

pe bryge wat3 breme vp brayde,

pe 3ate3 wer ftoken fafte,

pe walle3 were wel arayed,

Hit dut no wynde3 blafte.

XIII.

pe burne bode on bonk, bat on blonk houed,
Of be depe double dich bat drof to be place,
pe walle wod i be wat9 wonderly depe,
Ande eft a ful huge he3t hit haled vpon lofte,
Of harde he wen fton vp to be table3,
Enbaned vnder be abataylmet, I be beft lawe ;
& fyben garyte3 ful gaye gered bi-twene,
Wyth mony luflych loupe, bat louked ful clene
A bett9 barbican bat burne blufched vpon neu9 ;
& Inermore he be-helde bat halle ful hy3e,
Towre telded bytwene trochet ful bik,
Fayre fylyole3 bat fy3ed, & ferlyly long,

amnant ;

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT. 31

With coruon coproues, craftyly fle3e ;

Chalk whyt chymnees ber ches he I no^e,

Vpon baftel roue3, bat blenked ful quyte ;

So mony pynakle payntet \vat3 poudred ay quere, soo

Aniog be caftel carnele3, clambred fo bik,

pat pared out of papure purely hit femed.

pe fre freke on be fole hit fayr I noghe ' bo3t,

If he my3t keu9 to com be cloyft9 wyth Ine,

To herber I bat hoftel, whyl halyday lefted,

He calde, & fone ber com

A porter pure plefaut,

On be wal his ernd he nome,

& haylfed be kny3t eryaiit.

XIV.

" Gode £," q Gawan, " wolde3 bu go my ernde,
To be he3 lorde of bis ho9, herber to craue ?"
[fol. 102.] " je, Pet9," q be port9, " & purely I trowe8,

pat 3e be, wy3e, welcu to won quyle yow lyke3."
pe 3ede be wy3e a3ayn fwybe,
& folke frely hy wyth, to fonge be kny3t ;
pay let dou be grete dra3t, & derely out 3eden,
& kneled dou on her knes vpon be colde erbe,
To welcu bis ilk wy3, as worby horn bo3t ;
pay 3olden hy be brode 3ate, 3arked vp wyde,
& he hem rayfed rekenly, & rod ou9 be brygge ;
Sere fegge3 lry fefed by'fadel, quel3 he lyjt,
& fyben ftabeled his ftede ltif me I no3e.
Kny3te3 & fnryere3 comen dou bene,

1 nghe, MS. - trowoe, MS. 3 quyle ?

32 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT.

For to brj'g )>is burne ' wyth blys i to balle ; a

Quen lie bef vp his helme, J?er hi3ed I nogh

For to bent hit at his honde, pe hende to feruen ;

His bronde & his blafou bote )>ay token.

pe haylfed he ful hendly po ha>ele3 vch one,

& mony proud mon J?er p9fed, tat pryce to hono" ; s

Alle hafped 1 his he3 wede to halle J?ay hy wonen,

per fay re fyre vpon flet ferfly brened.

pene pe lorde of pe lede loute3 fro his chambre,

For to mete wyth menfke pe mon on pe flor ;

He fayde, " 3e ar welcu to welde as yow lyke3,

pat here is al is yowre awen, to haue at yowre wylle,

" Graut mercy," q Gawayn,

" per kryft hit yow for-3elde,"

As freke3 }>at femed fayn, s

AyJ>9 o]P I arme3 co felde.

XV.

Gawayn glyjt on pe gome >at godly hy gret,
& ))U3t hit a bolde burne J?at pe bur3 a3te,
A hoge habel for pe none3, & of hygh elde * ;
Brode bry3t wat3 his berde, & al beu9 hwed, i

Sturne ftif on he ftryfcbe on ftal worth fchonke3,
Felle face as pe fyre, & fre of hys fpeche;
& wel by femed for foj>e, as pe fegge Jm3t,
To lede a lortfchyp I lee of leude3 ful gode.
[fol.io2b.] pe lorde hy charred to a chambre, & chefly3 cuaiide3 i

To delyu9 hym a leude, hym lo3ly to ferue ;
& J>ere were bou at his bode burne3 1 no3e,

' buurne, MS. 2 eldee, MS. ' clefly, MS.

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNY3T. 33

pat brojt by to a brj^t boure, b9 bedd_yg \vat3 noble,

Of cortynes of clene fylk, wyth cler golde heme3,

& cou9tore3 ful curious, w' comlych panej, 8.55

Of bry5t blaunn91 a-boue enbrawded bifydej,

Rudele3 renande on rope}, red golde rygej,

Tapyte3 t\*3t to be \v05e, of tuly & tars,

& vnder fete on be fiet of fohjande fute.

per he wat3 difpoyled, wyth fpeche3 of my9be, 860

pe burn of his bruny, & of his bry3t wede3 ;

Ryche robes ful rad renkke3 hem bitten,

For to charge, & to chaunge, & chofe of be beft.

Sone as he on hent, & happed b9 ine,

pat fete on hym8 feraly, wyth faylande fkyrte3, mi

pe ver by his uifage verayly hit femed

\Velne3 to vche babel alle on hwes,

Lowande & lufly, alle his lyme3 vnder, „ . ,

, , V 01 r , II hem J>°3t >

pat a comioker kny3t neu' krylt made,

Wheben I worlde he were,

Hit femed as he my3t

Be prynce w* outen pere,

1 felde b9 telle me fy3t.

XVI.

A cheyer by-fore be chemne, p9 charcole brened,
Wat3 gray bed for f Gawan, graybely w' clope3,
Whyffynes vpon queldepoyntf, ba koyt wer bote ;
& bene a mere mantyle wat3 on bat mon caft,
Of a brou bleeaut, enbrauded ful ryche,
& fay re furred wyth Tne w* felle3 of be beft,

1 blaunm9, MS. °~ hyn, MS.

34 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNY3T.

Alle of ermyn 1 erde, his hode of pe fame ;

& be-fete I pat fettel femlych ryche,

& achaufed hy chefly1, & pene his cher mended.

Sone wat3 telded vp a tapit, on treftej fill fayre,

Clad wyth a clene elope, J>at cler quyt fchewed,

Sanap, & falure, & fylu9 I fpone3 ;

[foi. 103.] pe wy3e wefche at his wylle, & went to his mete.

Segge3 hym ferued femly I no3e,

Wyth fere fewes & fete, fefoiide of pe beft,

Double felde, as hit falle3, & fele kyn fifche3 ; sso

Sume baken i bred, fiime brad on pe glede3,

Siime fopen, fume 1 fewe, fau9ed w' fpyces,

& ayfawes fo fle3e3, pat pe fegge lyked.

pe freke calde hit a feft ful frelv & ofte, , .

|| as hencle ;
rul hendely, quen alle pe hapeles re-haji;ed hy at one3,

" pis penauce now 3e take,

& eft hit fchal amende ; "

pat mon much m;pe con make,

For wy I liis hed pat wende. wo

XVII.

pene wat3 fpyed & fpured vpon fpare wyfe,

Bi preue poynte3 of pat prynce, put to hy feluen,

pat he be-knew cortayf ly of pe court pat he were,

pat apel Arthure pe hende halde3 hy one,

pat is pe ryche ryal kyg of pe roude table ; 905

& hit wat3 Wawen hy felf pat I pat won fytte3,

Comen to pat kryftmaffe, as cafe hy pen lymped.

When re lorde hade lerned pat he pe leude hade,

1 cefly, MS.

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT. 35

Loude lajed he J>9at, fo lef hit hy Jwjt,

& alle be men I bat mote maden much joye, oio

To apere I his prefenfe preftly hat tyme,
pat alle prys, & prowes, & pured bewes
Apendes to hys perfoii, & prayfed is eu9,
By-fore alle men vpon molde, his menfk is be moft.
Vch fegge ful foftly fayde to his fere, on

" Now fchal we femlych fe fle3te3 of bewe3,
& be teccheles termes of talkyg noble,
Wich fpede is I fpeche, vnfpurd may we lerne,
Sy we haf fonged bat fyne fader of nurture ;
God hat3 geuen v9 his g"ce godly for fobe, 920

pat fuch a gelt as Gawan graute3 v9 to haue, , „ ..
When burne3 bly be of his burbe fchal fitte, } '

1 menyg of man9e3 mere,
[ibl. io3i>.] pis burne now fchal v9 bryg, 925

I hope bat may hy here,
Schal lerne of luf-talkyg."

XVIII.

Bi bat be diner wat3 done, & be dere vp,

Hit wat3 ne3 at be ny3t' ne3ed be tyme ;

Chaplayne3 to be chapeles chofen be gate, <,■,„

Rugen ful rychely, ry3t as bay fchulden,

To be herfu euenfong of be hyje tyde.

pe lorde loutes berto, & be lady als,

I to a comly clofet coyntly ho entre3 ;

Gawan glyde3 ful gay, & gos beder fone ; m

pe lorde laches hy by be lappe, & lede3 hy to fytte,

1 myjt, MS.
f 2

36 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNY3T.

& coubly hy knowe3, & calle3 hy his nome,
& fayde he \vat3 be welcomeft wy3e of be worlde ;
& he hy bonkked broly, & ayb9 hatched ober,
& feten foberly famen be feruiie-quyle ;
pene lyft be lady to loke on be kny3t.
pene com ho of hir clofet, wl mony cler burde3,
Ho wat3 be fayreft 1 felle, of fleiche & of lyre,
& of compas, & cold", & coftes of alle ob9,
& wener ben Wenore, as be \vy3e bo3t.
He ches bur3 be chaufel, to cheryche bat hende ;
An ober lady hir lad bi be lyft honde,
pat wat3 alder ben ho, an aucian hit femed,
& he3ly honowred w' habeles aboute.
Bot vn-lyke on to loke bo ladyes were,
For if be 3onge \vat3 3ep, 3ol3e \vat3 b1 ob9 ;
Riche red on bat on ray led ay quere,
Rugh ronkled cheke3 bat ob9 on rolled ;
Kerchofes of bat on wyth mony cler perle3
Hir breft & hir bry3t brote bare difplayed,
Schon fchyrer be fnawe, bat fcheder on hille3 ;
pat ob9 wyth a gorger wat3 gered ou9 be fwyre,
Chymbled ou9 hir blake chyn w' mylk-quyte vayles,
Hir frout folden 1 fylk, enfoubled ay quere,
Toret & trejeted w' tryfie3 aboute,
[fol.104.] pat no3t wat3 bare of bat burde bot be blake bro3es,.
pe tweyne y3en, & be nafe, be naked lyppe3,
& bofe were foure to fe, & fellyly blered ; f ,

A menfk lady on molde mo may hir calle,
Hir body wat3 fchort & bik,
Hir buttoke3 bay & brode,
More lykker-wys on to lyk,
Wat3 bat fcho hade on lode.

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT. 37

XIX.

When Gawayn glyjt on y gay, y g"cio9ly loked, 970

Wyth leue la3t of re lorde he went hem a3aynes ;

pe alder he hay lies, heldande ful lowe,

pe loueloker he lappe3 a lyttel 1 arrae3,

He kyffes hir comlyly, & kn^tly he mele3 ;

pay kallen hy of a quoytauce, & he hit quyk afke3 975

To be her feruaut fothly, if hem felf lyked.

pay tan hy bytwene hem, wyth talkyg hy leden

To chambre, to chemne, & chefly bay afken

Spyce3, pat vn-fparely me fpeded horn to bryg,

& re wyne-lych wyne py w* vche tyme. 9«o

pe lorde luflych aloft lepe3 ful ofte,

Myned m9the to be made vpon mony fyre3,

Hent he3ly of his hode, & on a fpere henged,

& wayned bom to wyne re worchip per of,

pat molt myrre my3t mene y cryftenmas whyle ;

" & I fchal fonde, bi my fayth, to fylt9 wyth ]>e beft,

Er me wont pe wede3, wl help of my frende3."

p9 wyth la3ande lote3 be lorde hit tayt1 make3,

For to glade f Gawayn w1 gomne3 I halle,

Til pat hit wat3 tyme,

pe kyg comaiidet ly3t,

f Gawen his leue con nyme,

& to his bed hy di5t.

layt i

38 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT.

XX.

On be morne, as vch mon myne^ bat tyme,
pat dry3tyn for oure deftyne to de3e wat3 borne,
Wele \vaxe3 I vche a won I worlde, for his fake ;
So did hit bere on hat day, bur3 dayntes mony ;
[foi.i04b.] Bobe at mes & at mele, meffes ful quaynt ;
Derf men vpon dece, dreft of be beft.
pe olde aucian wyf he3eft ho fytte3 ;
pe lorde lufly herby lent, as I trowe ;
Gawan & be gay burde to-geder bay feten,
Euen I mydde3, as he meffe metely come ;
& fyben bur3 al he fale, as hem beft femed,
Bi vche grome at his degre g"yhely wat3 ferued.
p9 wat3 mete, ber \vat3 myrbe, b9 wat3 much ioye,
pat for to telle berof hit me tene were,
& to poynte hit 3et I pyned me paueture ;
Bot 3et I wot bat Wawen & be wale burde
Such comfort of her compaynye ca3ten to-geder,
pur3 her dere dalyauce of her derne worde3,
Wyth clene cortays carp, clofed fro fylbe ;
& hor play wat3 paffande vche prynce gomen,
Triipe3 & nakerys,
Much pypyg b9 repayres,
Vche mo tented hys,
& bay two teted rayres.

XXI.

Much dut wat3 her chyuen bat day & bat ob9,
& be bryd as hro bronge 1 beraft9 ;

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNY?T. 39

pe ioye of fayn Jone3 day wat3 gentyle to here,
& wat3 be lalt of be layk, leude3 ber bo3ten.
per wer geftes to go vpon be gray morne,

For by wonderly bay woke, & be wyn dronken, 1025

Daufed ful di^ly wyth dere carole3 ;
At be laft, when hit wat3 late, bay lachen her leue,
Vchon to wende on his way, J?at wat3 wy3e ftronge.
Gawan gef hy god-day, be god mo hy lachche3,
Ledes hy to his awen chambre, be chyne byiyde, ioao

& here he dra3C3 hy on dry3e, & derely hy bonkke3,
Of be wjrne worfchip & ! he hy wayned hade,
As to hono" his ho9 on bat hy3e tyde,
& enbelyfe his bur3 w' his bele chere.
' ' I wyffe £, quyl I leue, me worbe3 be better,
[fol.ios.] pat Gawayn hat3 ben my geft, at godde3 awen felt."

" G°nt merer £," q, Gawayn, " I god fayth hit is yowre3,

Al be bond" is yd" awen, be he3e kyg yow 3elde ;

& I am wy3e at yd" wylle, to worch yde heft, .

As I am halden b9 to, I hy3e & I lo3e, iwo

pe lorde faft can hy payne,

To holde lenger be kny3t,

To hy anfwre3 Gawayn,

Bi non way bat he my3t. 1045

XXII.

Then frayned be freke ful fayre at him felue,
Quat derne dede had hy dryuen, at bat dere tyme,
So kenly fro be kyge3 kourt to kayre al his one,
Er be halidaye3 holly were halet out of tou ?

1 fat ? 9 nerci, MS.

40 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNY3T.

" For fobe f," q. be fegge, " $e fayn bot be trawbe ; 105c

A heje ernde & a liafty me hade fro to wone3 ;
For I am tuned my felfe to fech to a place,
I wot ' 1 worlde wheder warde to wende, hit to fynde ;
I nolde, bot if I hit negh my3t on nw3eres morne,
For alle be londe I wyth Logres, fo me oure lorde help ! 100.5

For by, f, bis enqueft I require yow here,
pat 3e me telle w' trawbe, if eu9 3e tale herde
Of be grene chapel, quere hit on groude ftonde3,
& of be kny3t bat hit kepes, of cold" of grene ?
\f \vat3 ftabled bi ftatut a fteuen v9 by-twene, ioeo

To mete bat mon at b' mere, 3if I my3t laft ;
& of bat ilk nw3ere bot neked now wonte3,
& I wolde loke on bat lede, if god me let wolde,
Gladloker, bi godde3 fu, be any god welde !

For bi I wyffe, bi 3owre wylle, wende me bi-houes, iom

Naf I now to bufy bot bare bre daye3,
& me als fayn to falle feye as fayly of my2 ernde."
pene la3ande q be lorde, " now leng be by-houes,
For I fchal teche yow to ba terme bi be tyme3 ende,
pe grene chapayle vpon groude, greue yow no more ; ioro

Bot 3e fchal be I yowre bed, burne, at by efe,
Quyle forth daye3, & ferk on be fyrft of be 3ere,
[foi. 105b.] & cum to bat merk at mydmorn, to make quat yow likej, "

Dowelle3 whyle new 3eres daye, io»

& rys, & rayke3 bene,
Mo fchal yow fette I waye,
Hit is not two myle hene."

1 not ? * myy, MS.

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT. 41

XXIII.

pene wat3 Gawan ful glad, & gomenly he la3ed, —

" Now I bonk yow bryuandely bui'3 alle ob9 byge, io»

Now acheued is my chaiice, I fchal at yo" wylle

Dowelle, & ellej do quat je denien."

pene fefed hy be fyre, & fet hy byfyde,

Let be ladie3 be fette, to lyke he be bett9 ;

per wat3 feme folace by hem felf ftille ; ioa

pe lorde let for luf lote3 fo myry,

As wy3 bat wolde of his wyte, ne wyft quat he my3t.

pene he carped to be kny3t, criande loude,

" 3e han demed to do be dede bat I bidde ;

Wyl 3e halde bis hes here at bys one3 ? " io»

" 3e £, for fobe," fayd be fegge trwe,

" Whyl I byde I yowre bor3e, be bayn to 3owe ' heft."

" For 3e haf trauayled," q be tulk, " towen fro ferre,

& fyben waked me wytk, 3e arn not wel waryft,

Naub9 of foftnauce ne of flepe, fobly I knowe ; 109

3e fchal lenge i yd" lofte, & lyje 1 yd" efe,

To morn quyle be meffe-quyle, & to mete wende,

When 3e wyl, wyth my wyf, bat wyth yow fchal fitte,

& comfort yow wl compayny, til I to cort tome,

& I fchal erly ryfe,

On hutyg wyTl I wende."

Gauayn g"nte3 alle byfe,

Hy heldande, as be hende.

1 jowre ?

42 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT.

XXIV.

" jet firre," q pe freke, " a forwarde we make ;

Quat fo euer I wyne I pe wod, hit wor)?e3 to yoq,

& quat chek fo ye acheue, chaiige me J?er forne ;

Swete, fwap we fo, fware w* trawpe,

Que]?9 leude fo lymp, lere oj?9 bett9."

" Bi god," q Gawayn be gode, " I g"nt p9 tylle,

[fol. 106.] & bat yow lyft forto layke, lef hit me J?ynkf ."

" Who bryge3 v9 bis beu9age, J>is bargayn is maked," —

So fayde be lorde of bat lede ; bay lajed vchone,

pay dronken, & daylyeden, & dalten vntyjtel,

pife lordej & ladyej, quyle pat hem lyked ;

& fyben w* frenkyfch fare & fele fayre lote3

pay ftoden, & ftemed, & ftylly fpeken,

Kyften ful comlyly, & ka3ten: her leue.

W mony leude ful lyjt, & lemande torches, „ , , . A
,-r , , , • ■. , i , ■. r ml fofte :

Vche burne to his bed wat3 bro3t at re lalte,

To bed 3et er bay 3ede,

Recorded couenaute3 ofte ;

pe olde lorde of bat leude l,

Cowbe wel halde layk a-lofte.

1 lede?

F

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT. 43

[FYTTE THE THIRD.]

ul erly bifoi'e be day be folk vp ryfen,
Geftes bat go wolde, hor grome3 bay calden,
& bay bufken vp bilyue, blonkke3 to fadel,
TyfFen her1 takles, truffen her males,

Richen hem be rycheft, to ryde alle arayde, 1

Lepen vp ly3tly, lachen her brydeles,
Vche w)T3e on his way, ber hy wel lyked.
pe leue lorde of be londe wat3 not be laft,
A-rayed for be rydj-g, w' renkke3 ful mony;
Ete a fop haftyly, when he hade herde maffe, 1

Wl bugle to bent felde he bufke3 by-lyue ;
By tat bat any day-ly3t lemed vpon erbe,
He w' his habeles on hy3e hoi-ffes weren.
pene bife cacheres bat coube, cowpled hor houde3,
Vnclofed be kenel dore, & calde hem Jr'oute, 1

Blwe bygly I bugle3 bre bare mote ;
Braches bayed before, & breme noyfe maked,
& bay chaftyfed, & charred, on chafyg bat went ; , , , -

A hundreth of hunt9es, as I haf herde telle,
To tryftors vewters 3od,
Couples huntes of-keft,
[foi.i06<>.] p9 ros for blafte3 gode,
Gret rurd I bat foreft.

• he, MS.

G 2

44 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT.

II.

At be fyrft quethe of be queft quaked be wylde ;

Der drof i be dale, doted for drede,

Hi3ed to be hy^e, bot het9ly bay were

Reftayed w' be ftablye, bat ftoutly afcryed ;

pay let be hertte3 haf be gate, wl be hyje hedes,

pe breme bukke3 alfo, w* hor brode paume3 ;

For be fre lorde hade defende I fermyfoii tyme,

pf b9 fchulde no mon mene to be male dere.

pe hinde3 were halden I, w' hay & war,

pe does dryuen w1 gret dyn to be depe ilade3 ;

per my3t mon fe, as bay flypte, fleutyg of arwes,

At vche wende vnder wande wapped a none,

pat bigly bote on be brou, w' ful brode hede3,

What bay brayen, & bleden, bi bonkke3 bay de3en.

& ay rachches I a res radly hem fobjes,

Hutere3 wyth hy3e home halted hem aft9,

Wyth fuch a crakkande kry, as klyffes haden bruften ;

What wylde lb at-waped wy3es rat fchotten,

Wat3 al to-raced & rent, at be refayt.

Bi bay were tened at be hy5e, & tayfed to be wattre3,

pe lede3 were fo lerned at be lo3e tryfteres,

& be gre-houde3 fo grete, bat geten hem bylyue, 9

& hem to fylched, as faft as freke3 my3t loke,

pe lorde for blys abloy,

Ful oft con lauce & ly3t,

& drof bat day wyth joy,

Thus to be derk ny3t.

£Vim imc ^&£ trtftcds fan tfro (fame coup- ijirotetite'

Yuj*!^ iM .' ftf:&sVi#,J*4tnL-4,.

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT. 45

III.

p9 layke3 bis lorde by lynde wode3 eue3,
& G. be god mon, i gay bed lyge3,
Lurkke3 quyl be day-lyjt leraed on be wowes,
Vnder couertd" ful clere, cortyned aboute ;
& as I flom9yg he flode, flejly he herde
A littel dyn at his dor, & derfly vpon ;
& he heue3 vp his bed, out of pe clones,
[fol. 10".] A corner of be cortyn he ca3t vp a lyttel, i

& \vayte3 warly bider warde, quat hit be my3t.
Hit wat3 pe ladi, lonyeft to be-holde,
pat dro3 be dor aft9 hir ful dernly & ftylle,
& bo3ed to-warde be bed ; & be burne fchamed,
& layde hy dou lyftyly, & let as he flepte. i

& ho ftepped ltilly, & ltel to his bedde,
Keft vp be cortyn, & creped w* Ine,
& fet hir ful foftly on be bed-fyde,
& lenged pere felly longe, to loke que he wakened,
pe lede lay lurked a ful longe quyle, i

Compaft i his concience to quat bat cace my3t
Mene ob9 amout, to m9uayle hy bo3t ;
Bot 3et he fayde I hy felf, " more femly hit were
To afpye wyth my fpelle, fpace quat ho wolde."
pen he wakenede, & wroth, & to hir warde torned, i

& vn-louked his y3e-lydde3, & let as hy wondered, t
& fayned hy, as bi his fa3e be fau9 to worthe,
Wyth chyne & cheke ful fwete,

Bofre quit & red I blande, i

Ful luily con ho lete,
Wyth lyppe3 final lajande.

46 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT.

IV.

" God morou, £ Gawayn," fayde fat fayr lady,
" 3e ar a flep vn-flyje, pat mo may flyde liider ;
Now ar 3e tan aftyt, bot tue v9 may fchape,
I fchal bynde yow I yd* bedde, p' be je trayft ; " —
Al la3ande pe lady lanced po bourde3.
" Goud morou g"e '," q, Gawayn pe blype,
" Me fclial worpe at yo" wille, & pat me wel lyke3,
For 1 3elde me 3ederly, & 3e3e aft9 g"ce,
& pat is pe beft, be my dome, for me by-houe3 nede ;" —
& pus he bourded a-3ayn w* mony a blype lajt9 ; —
" Bot wolde 3e, lady louely, pe leue me gnte,
& deprece yoA' pryfou, & pray hy to ryfe,
I wolde bo3e of pis bed, & bufk me bett9,
I fchulde keu9 pe more comfort to karp yow wyth."
[fol.io7b.] " Nay, for fope, beau £," fayd pat fwete,

" 3e fchal not rife of yo" bedde, I rych yow bett9,

I fchal haue yow here pat op9 half als,

& fypen karp wyth my kny3t, pat I ka3t haue ;

For I wene wel, I wyffe, f Wawen 3e are,

pat alle pe worlde worchipe3, quere fo 3e ride ;

Yd" hond", yo" hendelayk is hendely prayfed

W* lorde3, wyth ladyes, w' alle pat lyf bere.

& now 3e ar here, I wyffe, & we bot oure one ;

My lorde & his lede3 ar on lenbe faren,

Op9 burne3 1 her bedde, & my burde3 als,

pe dor drawen, & dit w1 a derf hafpe ;

& fypen I haue i pis ho9 hy pat al lyke3, , .

I fchal ware my whyle wel, quyl hit lafte3,

1 This word is very doubtful in the MS.

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT. 47

je ar welcu to my cors,
Yowre awen won to wale,
Me be-houe3 of fyne force,
Yd* feruaut be & fehale."

V.

" In god fayth," q. Gawayn, " gay hit me bynkke3,
J?a3 I be not now he bat 3e of fpeken ;
To reche to fuch reuerence as $e reherce here
I am wy3e vn-worby, I wot wel my feluen ;
Bi god, I were glad, & yow god Jwjt, i:

At fa3e ob9 at feruyce bat I fette my3t
To be plefauce of yd" prys, hit were a pure ioye."
" In god fayth, £ Gawayn," q. be gay lady,
" J?e prys & be prowes bat plefe3 al ob9,

If I hit lakked, ob9 fet at ly3t, hit were littel daynte ; 1;

Bot hit ar ladyes I no3e, bat leu9 wer nowbe
Haf be hende I hor holde, as I be habbe here,
To daly w1 derely yo" daynte worde3,
Keu9 hem comfort, & colen her care3,

J?e much of be garyfou ob9 golde bat ' bay hauen ; 12

Bot I louue2 bat ilk lorde, b1 be lyfte halde3, ,,

I haf hit holly 1 my honde, bat al defyres,
Scho made hy fo gret chere,
[W. 103.] pat wat3 fo fajT of face, 12,

J?e kny3t wl fpeches fkere,
Afwared 3 to vche a cace.

1 fat )>', MS. °- louie ? 3 anfwared ?

48 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT.

VI.

" Madame," q be myry mon, " Mary vow jelde,

For I haf fouden, I god fayth, yowre frauchis nobele,

& ob9 ful much of ob9 folk fongen hor dede3 ; ums

Bot be daynte b' bay delen for my difert nyfen,

Hit is be worchyp of yo" felf, bat no3t bot wel cone3."

" Bi Mary," q be menfkful, " me bynk hit anob9 ;

For were I worth al be wone of wymen alyue,

& al be wele of be worlde were I my honde, 1270

& I fchulde chepen & chofe, to cheue me a lorde,

For be coftes J?at I haf knowen vpon be kny3t here,

Of bewte, & debonerte, & blybe femblaut,

& bat I haf er herkkened, & halde hit here trwe ',

p9 fchulde no freke vpon folde bifore yow be chofen." 1275

" I wyffe, worby," q be wy^e, " 3e haf waled wel bett9,

Bot I am proude of be prys bat 3e put on me,

& foberly yo™ feniaiit my fou9ayn I holde yow,

& yowre kny3t I be-com, & kryft yow for-3elde."

p9 bay meled of much quat, til myd-morn pafte, uso

& ay re lady let lyk, a2 hy loued mych ;

pe freke ferde w' defence, & feted ful fayre.

" pa3 1 were burdebrv3teft," be burdeimynde hade, , .

y ' i .' , r II boute hone ;

" pe laffe luf I his lode, for lur pat he fo3t,

pe dunte rat fchilde hy deue,

& nede3 hit moft be done ; "

pe lady ben fpek of leue,

He g°nted hir ful fone.

1 trwee, MS. * and ?

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT. 49

VII.

pene ho gef hy god-day, & wyth a glent lajed, 129

& as ho ftod, ho ftonyed hy wyth ful ftor wordej, —
" Now he hat fpede} vche fpech, his difport 3elde yow !
Bot hat 3e be Gawan, hit gotj I myde."
" Quer fore ? " q he fi'eke, & frefchly he afke3,
Ferde left he hade fayled I fome of his caftes ; 129

Bot he burde hy bleffed, & bi his fkyl fayde,
[fol.iosb] " So god as Gawayn gaynly is halden,

& cortayfye is clofed fo clene I hy feluen,

Couth not lyjtly haf lenged fo long wyth a lady,

Bot he had craued a coffe, bi his co"tayfye, 130

Bi fu towrch of fume tryfle, at fu talej ende."

J?e q. WowTen, " I wyffe, worbe as yow lyke3,

I fchal kyffe at yd" comaudement, as a knyjt fallej,

& fire ' left he difplefe yow, fo2 plede hit no more."

Ho comes nerre w' hat, & cache3 hy 1 armej, iao

Loute3 luflych adou, & he leude kyffe3 ;

pay comly bykenen to kryft ayh9 oh9 ;

Ho dos hir forth at he dore, w* outen dyn more.

& he ryches hy to ryfe, & rapes hy fone,

Clepes to his chamberlayn, chofes his wede, isk

Bo3e3 forth, quen he wat3 bou, blyhely to maffe,

& bene he meued to his mete, h' mefkly hy keped, t

& made myry al day til he mone ryfed,

Wt3 neu9 freke fayrer fonge, nu

Bitwene two fo dygne dame,

pe alder & he 3onge,

JNIuch folace fet hay fame.

1 fere? J fo? J Was? Nas ?

H

50 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT.

VIII.

And ay pe lorde of pe londe is lent on his gamnej,
To hut I holte3 & hepe, at hyndej barayne,
Such a fowme he b9 flowe bi bat be fune heldet,
Of dos & of op9 dere, to deme were wonder,
pene ferfly bay fiokked I folk at be lalte,
& quykly of be quelled dere a querre bay maked ;
pe beft bo;ed perto, w' burnej I nogh,
Gedered be gratteft of gres pat per were,
& didden hem derely vnclo, as be dede afke3 ;
Serched hem at be afay, fume pat b9 were,
Two fygeres pay fonde of be fowleft of alle :
Sype pay flyt pe flot, fefed pe er'iev,
Schaued wyth a fcharp knyf, & pe i'chyre knitten ;
Sypen rytte pay pe foure lymes, & rent of pe hyde,
pe brek pay pe bale, pe bale? out token,
[foi. 109.] Lyftily forlancyg, & bere of pe knot ;

pay gryped to pe gargulii, & gypely departed

pe wei'aut fro pe wynt-hole, & wait oat pe gutte3 ;

pe fcher pay out pe fchulderej w' her fcharp knyuej,

Haled hem by a lyttel hole, to haue hole fydes ;

Sipen britned pay pe breft, & brayden hit 1 twyne,

& eft at pe gargulii bigyne3 on pene,

Ryue3 hit vp radly, ryjt to pe by3t

Voyde3 out pe a-vanters, & v9ayly p9aft9

Alle pe ryme3 by pe rybbe3 radly pay lance ;

So ryde pay of by refou bi pe rygge bone3,

Euenden to pe haunche, pat henged al'e famen,

& heuen hit vp al hole, & hwen hit of pere,

& pat pay neme for pe noubles, bi nome as I trowe,

bi kynde;

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT. 51

Bi be bj^t al of be by73es,
pe lappe3 bay lance bi-hynde,
To hewe hit I two bay hyjes,
Bi be bak-bon to vnbynde.

IX.

Bobe be hede. & be hals bay hwen of bene,

& fyben funder bay be fyde3 fwyft fro be cbyne,

& be corbeles fee bay keft I a greue ;

pen burled bay ayber bik fide bur3, bi be rybbe,

& henged bene ab9 bi ho3es of be fourche3,

Vche freke for his fee, as falle3 forto haue.

Vpon a felle of be fayre beft fede bay bayr houdes,

Wyth be lyu9 & be Iy3te3, be leber of be paunchej,

& bred babed I blod, blende ber amoge3 ;

Baldely bay blw prys, bayed bayr rachche3,

Syben fonge bay her fiefche folden to home,

Strakande ful ftoutly mony ftif mote3.

Bi bat be dayljr3t wat3 done, be douthe \vat3 al wonen

I to be comly caftel, ber be kny3t bidej,

Wyth blys & bry3t fyr bette,

pe lord is comen b9 tylle,

When Gawayn wyth hy mette,

per wat3 bot wele at wylle.

X.

Lfol. 109b.] Thene comaiided be lorde 1 b' fale to lamen alle be meny,
Bobe be ladyes on logh to ly3t, w' her burdes,
Bi-fore alle be folk on be flette, freke3 he beddej
V9ayly his venyfou to fech hy byforne ;

h 2

|| ml ftille ;

52 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNY3T.

& al godly I gomen Gawayn1 he called,

Techej hy to be tayles of ful tayt beftes,

Schewe} hy he fchyrer grete fchorne vpon rybbes.' —

" How payej yow his play ? haf I prys wonen ?

Haue I bryuandely bonk burj my craft ferued ? " 1-

" 3e, I wyffe," q tat ob9 wyje, " here is wayth fayreft

pat I fe3 bis feuen 3ere, i fefoii of wynt9."

" & al I gif yow, Gawayn," q he gome bene,

" For by a-corde of couenaut 3e craue hit as yo" awen."

" pis is foth," q be fegge, " I fay yow hat ilke, 1;

& I haf worthyly a bis wone3 wyth Ine,

I wyffe wc as god wylle hit worhe3 to 3oA'e3."

He hafppe3 his fayre hals his arme3 wyth ine,

& kyffes hy as comlyly as he 3 coube awyfe, —

" Tas yow bere my cheuicauce, I cheued no more,

I wowche hit faf fynly, ba3 feler hit were."

" Hit is god," q be god mon, " g"nt m9cy before,

Hit may be fuch, hit is he bett9, & 3e me breue wolde

Where 3e wan bis ilk wele, bi wytte of hor4 feluen ? "

" pat wat3 not forward," q he, " frayft me no more,

t, , r. , . A , ,0 I ?e mowe.

tor 3e hal tan pat yow tyde3, trawe 3e non oh9

pay la3ed, & made hem blybe,

Wyth lote3 bat were to lowe,

To foper bay 3ede affwybe, 14

Wyth dayntes nwe I nowe.

XL

And fyben by e chymne i chamber bay feten,
Wy3e3 be walle wym we3ed to hem oft,

1 Gaway, MS. 2 A word seems here to be wanting.

3 ho, MS. ■> vour ?

to chace ;

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT. 53

& efte i her bourdyg bay bayben T be morn,

To fylle be fame forwardej bat bay by-foie maden, uos

pat chauce fo by-tyde3 hoi cheuyfaiice to chauge,
What nwej fo bay norae, at najt quen bay mette.
pay acorded of be couenaiite3 byfore be ccf't alle ;
foi. no.] pe beuerage wat3 bro3t forth I bourde at bat tyme ;

pene bay louelych le3ten leue at be laft, 1410

Vche burne to his bedde bufked bylyue.

Bi bat. be coke hade crowe3l & cakled bot bryfe,

pe lorde wat3 lopen of his bedde, be leude3 vch one,

So bat be mete & be maffe \vat3 metely delyu9ed ;

pe douthe dreffed to be wod, er any day fprenged,

He3 w* hiite & horne3,

pur3 playne3 bay paffe I fpace,

Vn-coupled amog bo borne3,

Rache3 bat ran on race.

XII.

Sone bay calle of a queft I aker fyde,

pe hut re-hayted be houde3, bat hit fyrft m^'ged,

Wylde worde3 hy warp wyth a wraft noyce ;

pe hownde3 bat hit herde, haftid bider fwybe,

& fellen as faft to be fuyt, fourty at ones ;

pene fuch a glau9ande glam of gedered rachche3

Ros, bat be rochere3 rugen aboute ;

Hiitere3 hem hardened w* home & wyth muthe.

pe al 1 a femble fweyed to-geder,

Bitwene a flofche I bat fryth, & a foo cragge ;

In a knot, bi a clyffe, at be kerre fyde,

1 crowed ?

54 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT.

p9 as be rogh rocher vn-rydely wat3 fallen,

pay ferden to be fyndyg, & freke3 bem aft9 ;

pay vmbe-keften be knarre & be knot bote,

Wyjej, whyl J?ay wyften wel wyt Ine he hit were, 1

pe beft hat ber breued wat3 wyth be blod-houdej.

pene bay beten on be bufke3, & becle by vp ryle,

& he vnfoudyly out fo3t, fegge3 ou9 bwert,

On be fellokeft fwyn fwenged out bere,

Long fythen for be fofider bat \vi3t for olde,

For he \vat3 b . . . & bor alber gratteft,

1 ere quen be gronyed, bene greued mony,

For t be fyrft braft he bryjt to be erbe,

& fped . . . forth good fped, boute fpyt more,
And ray halowed hygft ful hy3e, & hay ! hay ! cryed,
[fol.nob.] Haden horne3 to nioube heterly recbated ;

Mony \vat3 be myry rnoutbe of men & of houde3, ..

pat bufkke3 aft9 bis bor, w' boft & wyth noyfe,

Ful oft he byde3 be baye, i

& mayme3 be mute in melle,

He hurte3 of be hoiide3, & bay

Ful 3omerly 3uule & 3elle.

XIII.

Schalke3 to fchote at hy fchowen to bene,

Haled to hym of her arewe3, hitten hym oft ;

Bot be poyte3 payred at be pyth b1 py3t I his fchelde3,

& re barbe3 of his browe bite non wolde,

pa3 be fchauen fchaft fchyndered I pece3,

pe hede hypped a3ayn, were fo eu9 hit hitte ;

1 The MS. is here in several lines illegible.

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNY3T. 55

Bot quen be dyntej hy dered of her dryje arwej, i4co

pen brayn-wod for bate on burne3 he rafe3,

Hurtej hem ful heterly ber he forth hy3e3,

& mony ar3ed berat, & on lyte dro3en.

Bot be lorde on a ly3t horce laiices hym aft9,

As burne bolde vpon bent his bugle he blowe3, im

He rechated, & r . . . ' bui'3 roue3 ful byk,

Suande bis wylde fwyn, til he fune fchafted.

Jris day wyth his ilk de^e hay drynen on his wyfe,

Whyle oure luflych lede lys I his bedde, f

si «ii i rii II of newe j

Gawayn; gypely at home, I gere3 iul ryche.

]?e lady nojt folate,

Com to hyr to falue,

Ful erly ho \vat3 hy ate,

His mode forto remwe. 1475

XIV.

Ho comes to be cortyn, & at he kny3t totes,
& Wawen her welciied worby on fyrft,
& ho hy 3elde3 ajayn, ful 3erne of hir worde3,
Sette3 hir fofly by his fyde, & fwybely ho Ia3e3,
& wyth a luflych loke ho fayde hy befe \v0rde3 :
" £, 3if 3e be Wawen, wonder me hynkkej,
Wy3e hat is fo wel wraft alway to god,
& conne3 not of compaynye he cofte3 vnder-take,
Lfol. 111.] & if mon kenes yow horn to knowe, 3e keft hom of yo" myde ;
pu hat3 for-3eten jederly J»at 3ift9day I ta3tte
Bi alder trueft token of talk bat I cowhe."
" What is bat ? " q be wygh, " I wyffe I wot neu9,

1 rydes ? rode ?

56 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT,

If hit be fothe bat 3e breue, be blame is my awen."

" jet I kende yow of kyffyg," q be clere bene,

" Quere fo coutenauce is coube, quikly to clayme, iw

pat bicues vche a knyjt, tat cortayfy vfes."

" Do way," q bat derf mon, " my dere, bat fpeche,

For tat durft I not do, left I denayed were,

If I were werned, I were wrang I wyffe, ^if I pfered."

" Ma fay," q be mere wyf, " 3e may not be werned, 1495

je ar ftif 1 nogb to conftrayne wyth ftrenkbe, 3if yow lykej,

jif any were fo vilano9 bat yow denaye ' wolde."

" Je, be god," q Gawayn, " good is yd" fpeche,

Bot brete is vn-bryuande I bede b9 I lende,

& vche gift tat is gyuen not wl goud wylle ; 1500

I am at yd* comaundemet, to kyffe quen yow lyke3, . . „

3e may lach quen yow lyft, & leue quen yow bynkke3,

pe lady loute3 a-dou,

& comlyly kyffes his face, vm

Much fpeche bay b9 expou,

Of druryes greme & g"ce.

XV.

" I woled wyt at yow, wy3e," bat worby ber fayde,

" & yow wrathed not ber wyth, what were be fkylle,

pat fo jong & fo 3epe, as 3e at bis tyme, 1510

So cortayfe, fo km jtyly, as 3e ar knowen oute,

& of alle cheual. to chofe, be chef bj'g a-lofed,

Is" be lellayk of luf, fe lettrure of armes ;

For to telle of bis teneljg of bis trwe kny3te3,

Hit is be tytelet, token, & tyxt of her werkke3, m;

< de vaye, MS. » In ?

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT. 57

How le . . . ' for her lele luf hor lyue3 han autered,
Endured for her drury dulful ftoude3,
& aft9 wenged w' her walo", & voyded her care,
& bro3t blyffe I to boure, w' boutees hor awen.
& 3e ax kn\r3t comlokeft kyd of yo elde, ireo

[foi ni»>.] Yd" worde & yd" worchip \valke3 ay quere,
& T haf feten by yd" felf here fere twyes,
jet herde I neu9 of yd" hed helde no \v0rde3
pat eu9 longed to luf, laffe ne more ;

& je, hat ar fo cortays, & coyt of yd" hetes, ism

Ogb to a 3onke bjk 3ern to fchewe,
& teche fu tokene3 of trweluf craftes.

Why ar 3e lewed, hat alle he los welde3, , f , (

Ob9elles 3e demen me to dille, yd" dalyaucetoherken?
I com hider fengel, & fitte,
To lerne at yow fu game,
Dos teche3 me of yd" wytte,
Whil my lorde is fro hame."

XVI.

" In goud fayhe," q, Gawayn, " god yow for-3elde,

Gret is he gode gle, & gomen to me huge,

pat fo worby as je wolde wyne hidere,

& pyne yow w* fo pou9 a mon, as play wyth yd1 kny3t,

With any fkyne3 coutenauce, hit keu9e3 me efe ;

Bot to take he tornayle to my felf, to trwluf typou,

& towche he temes of tyxt, & tale3 of arme3,

To yow, hat I wot, wel werde3 more flyjt

Of hat art, hi he half, or a hudreth of feche

1 ledes ?

I

58 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT.

As I am, ob9 eu9 fchal, i erde ber I leue,

Hit were a fole fele folde, my fre, by my trawbe.

I wolde yowre wylnyg worche at my myjt,

As I am byjiy bihalden, & eu9 more wylle

Be feruaut to yo" feluen, fo faue me dryjtyn ! "

p9 hy frayned bat fre, & fondet hy ofte,

Forto haf wonen hy to wo3e, what fo folio bo3t elle3,

Bot he defended hy fo fajrr, bat no faut femed,

Ne non euel on nawb9 halue, nawb9 bay wyften,

pay la3ed & layked longe,

At be laft foho con hy kyffe,

Hir leue fayre con foho fonge,

& went hir waye I wyffe.

XVII.

Then rubes hy be renk, & ryfes to be maffe,
[foi. 112.] & fiben hor din9 wat3 dy3t, & derely ferued.
pe lede w' be ladye3 layked alle day,
Bot be lorde ou9 be londe3 lauced ful ofte,
Swe3 his vncely fwyn, bat fwyge3 bi be bonkke3,
& bote be beft of his brache3 be bakke3 i fuder ;
per he bode I his bay, tel1 bawe men hit breken,
& maden 2 hym, maw-gref his hed, forto mwe vtt9,
So felle flone3 ber flete, when be folk gedered ;
Bot 3et be ftyffeft to ftart bi ftoude3 he made,
Til at be laft he wat3 fo mat, he my3t no more rene,
Bot i be haft bat he my3t, he to a hole wyne3,
Of a raffe, bi a rokk, b9 rene3 be borne ;
He gete be bonk at his bak, big)re3 to forape,

> til? - madee, MS.

bot blyffo ;

for wobe ;

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT. 59

pe frobe femed ' at his mouth, vnfayre bi he wyke3,

\Vhette3 his whyte tufche3 ; w' hy be irked

Alle be burne3 fo bolde, bat hy by ftoden,

To nye hy on ferum, bot ne3e hy non durft,

He hade hurt fo mony byforne,

pat al bo3t bene ful lobe,

Be more wyth his tufche3 tome,

pat breme \vat3 bray-wod both. \m

XVIII.

Til be kny3t com hy felf, kachande his blonk,
Sy3 hy byde at be bay, his burne3 byfyde,
He ly3tf luflych adou, leue3 his corfcf,
Brayde3 out a bry3t bront, & bigly forth ftryde3,
Foiide3 faft bur3 be forth, ber be felle byde3- im

pe wylde \vat3 war of be \vy3e wl weppen 1 honde,
Hef hyjly be here, fo hetfly he fnaft,
pat fele ferde for be freke3 3, left felle hy be worre ;
pe fwyn fette3 hy out on be fegge euen,

pat be burne & be bor were bobe vpon hepe3, im

In be wy3creft 3 of be wat9, be worre had bat ob9 ;
For be mon merkke3 hy wel, as bay mette fyrft,
Set fadly be fcharp I be flot euen,
Hit hy vp to be hult, bat be hert fchyndered,
& he 3arrande hy 3elde, & 3edovi 4 be wat9, '

[foi.ii2V) A hiidreth hoiide3 hy hent,
pat bremely con hy bite,
Burne3 hi bro3t to bent,
& dogge3 to dethe endite. teoo

1 fomed ? 2 freke ? 3 This word is doubtful in the MS. 4 ^ede doun ?

1 2

60 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNY3T.

XIX.

There wat3 blawyg of prys I mony breme home,

He3e halowig on hi3e, wl habele3 J>at my3t ;

Brachetes bayed Vat beft, as bidden ]>e mayft9e3,

Of fat chargeaut chace hat were chef hutes.

pene a wy3e J>at \vat3 wys vpon wod-crafte3, 1605

To vnlace bis bor lufly bigyne3 ;

Fyrft he hewes of his hed, & on Inje fette3,

& fyben rende3 him al rogh bi be rygge after,

Brayde3 out be boweles, brene3 ho on glede,

With bred blent J>er w' his braches rewarde3 ; ieio

Syben he britne3 out be brawen, I bry3t brode chelde3,

& hat3 out J?e haftlette3, as hi3tly biferne3 ;

& 3et hem halche3 al hole be halue3 to-geder,

& fyben on a ftif ftange ftoutly hem henges.

Now with bis ilk fwyn bay fwengen to home ; wis

pe bores hed wat3 borne bifore J?e burnes feluen,

pat hi for-ferde I be forbe, bur3 forfe of his honde,

Til he fey ■£ Gawayne,

I halle by bo3t ful longe,
He calde, & he com gayn,
His fee3 b9 for to fonge.

XX.

pe lorde ful lowde wl lote, & la3ed myry,

Whe he fe3e f G : w4 folace he fpere3 ;

pe goude ladye3 were geten, & gedered be meyny,

He fchewe3 hem be fchelde3, & fchapes hem be tale,

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNY3T. Gl

Of be largeffe, & be lenbe, be hy9ne3 ' alfe,
Of be were of be wylde fwyn, I wod ber he fled,
pat ob9 knyjt ful comly comended his dede3,

& prayfed hit as gret prys, bat he proued hade ; isso

For fuche a brawne of a belt, \e bolde burne fayde,
Ne fuch fydes of a fwyn, fegh he neu9 are.
pene hondeled bay be hoge bed, re hende mo hit prayfed,
[fol.113.] & let lodly berat be lorde forto here ; —

" Now Gawayn," <j be god mon, " bis gomen is yd" awen, ikks

Bi fyn forwarde & fafte, faythely 3e knowe."

" Hit is fothe," q be fegge, " & as fiker trwe ;

Alle my get I fchal yow gif agayn, bi my trawbe."

He * re habel aboute be halfe, & hendely hy kyffes,

& eft9 fones of be fame he ferued hy bere. is-io

" Now ar we euen," q be habel, " I bis euen-tide, ,,

Of alle be couenaiites bat we knyt, fyben I com hider,

pe lorde fayde, "bi faynt Gile,

3e ar be beft bat I knowe, 164s

3e ben ryche I a whyle,

Such chaffer & 3e drowe."

XXI.

pene bay teldet table3, treftes' alofte,

Keften clobe3 vpon clere ly3t bene,

Wakned bi wo3e3 waxen torches, mo

Segge3 fette, & ferued I fale al aboute ;

Much glam & gle glent vp b9 Ine,

Aboute be fyre vpon flet, & on fele wyfe,

At be foper & aft9, mony abel fonge3,

1 hynej? - A word is here deficient, perhaps hent or hafped. Cf. 1. 1388. 3 on treftes?

62 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNY}T.

As coudutes of kryft-maffe, & carole3 newe, n

With alle be man9ly m9be b* mon may of telle.

& eu9 oure luflych knyjt be lady bi-fyde ;

Such femblaiit to bat fegge femly ho made,

Wyth ftille ftollen coutenaiice, bat ftalworth to plefe,

pat al for- wondered watj be wy$e, & wroth w* hy feluen, u

Bot he nolde not for his nurture nurne hir a-jayne3,

Bot dalt w* hir al I daynte, how fe eu9 be dede turned,

Quen bay hade played I halle,

As lange as hor wylle horn laft, i,

To chambre he con hy calle,

& to be chemne bay paft.

XXII.

Ande ber bay dronken, & dalten, & demed eft nwe,
To norne on be fame note, on nwejere3 euen ;
Bot be kny3t craued leue to kayre on be morn, ie

For hit wat3 ne3 at be terme, bat he to fchulde.
|foi.ii3i>.] pe lorde hy letted of bat, to lenge hy refteyed,

& fayde, " as I am trwe fegge, I fwer my trawbe,

p" fchal cheue to be grene chapel, by charres to make,

Leude, on nw3ere3 ly3t, longe bifore pryme ; ig

For by bow lye i by loft, & lach byn efe,

& I fchal hut in bis holt, & halde be towche3,

Chauge wyth be cheuifauce, bi bat I charre hider ;

For I haf frayfted be twys, & faytliful I fynde be,

Now brid tyme browe belt benk on be morne, >6

Make we mery quyl we may, & rnyne vpon joye,

For be lur may mon lach, when fo mon lyke3."

pis wat3 graybely grailted, & Gawayn is lenged, .

Blibe bro3t wat3 hym drynk, & bay to bedde 3eden,

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT. 63

f G: lis & flepes,

Ful ftille & fofte al nv}t ;

pe lorde pat his craftes kepes,

Ful erly he \vat3 di3t.

XXIII.

Aft9 meffe a morfel he & his men token, im

Miry wat3 pe mornyg, his moiiture he afkes ;
Alle pe hapeles pat on horfe fchulde helden hy aft9,
Were bou bulked on hor blonkke3, bi-fore ' pe halle 3ate3 ;
Ferly fayre \vat3 pe folde, for pe forft clenged,
I rede rudede vpon rak rifes re fune, isss

& ful clere cofte3 pe clowdes of pe welkyn.
Huteres vnhardeled bi a holt fyde,
Rocheres rougen bi rys, for rurde of her homes ;
Sume fel I pe fute, per pe fox bade,

Trayle3 ofte a trayt9es, bi traut of her wyles ; 1700

A kenet kryes perof, pe hut on hy calles,
His fela3es fallen hy to, p' fnafted ful pike,
Runen forth I a rabel, I his ry3t fare ;
& he fyfke3 hem by-fore, pay fouden hy fone,
& quen pay fegh hy w£ fy3t, pay fued hy faft,
Wre3ande hy ful weterly with a wroth noyfe ;
& he trantes & tornayeej pur3 mony tene greue,
Hamloue3, & herkene3, bi hegge3 ful ofte ;
[fol. in.] At pe laft bi a littel dich he lepe3 ou9 a fpene,

Stele3 out ful ftilly, bi a ftrothe raude, i7i«

Went haf wylt of pe wode, w' wyle3 fro pe houdes.
pene wat3 he went, er he wyft, to2 a wale tryft9, .

per pre pro at a prich prat hy at ones,

1 bi-forere, MS. * to to, MS.

64 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT.

He blenched a3ayn bilyue,
& ftifly ftart on ftray,
With alle be wo on lyue,
To be wod he went away.

XXIV.

Thene wat; hit lif vpon hft to lyben he houdej,

When alle be mute hade hy met, menged to-geder,

Suche a for3e at bat fy3t bay fette on his hede,

As alle be clamberande clyffes hade clat9ed on hepes ;

Here he wat3 halawed, when habele3 hy metten,

Loude he wat3 3ayned, wl 3arande fpeche ;

per he wat3 breted, & ofte bef called,

& ay be titleres at liis tayl, bat tary he ne my3t ;

Ofte he wat3 runen at, when he out rayked,

& ofte reled 1 a3ayn, fo reniarde wat3 wyle.

& 3e he lad hem bi lagmon, be lorde & his meyny ,

On Jus man9 bi he moiites, quyle myd, ou9, vnder,

Whyle he hende kny3t at home halfuly flepes,

With ine be comly cortyes, on be colde morne.

Bot he lady for luf let not to flepe,

Ne he purpofe to payre, hat py3t 1 hir hert,

Bot ros hir vp racily, rayked hir heder,

In a mery mantyle, mete to he erhe,

pat wat3 furred ful fyne wl felle3 wel puree! ,

No hwe3 goud on hir hede, bot he ha3er ftones

Trafed aboute hir treffd", be twenty I cluft9es ;

Hir hryuen face & hir hrote hrowen al naked,

Hir breft bare bifore, & bihinde eke.

Ho come3 wl ine he chambre dore, & clofes hit hir aft9,

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT. 65

\Vayne3 vp a wyndow, & on pe \vy3e calle3, , ,

& radly p9 rehayted hy, w* hir riche wordes,
" A ! mon, how may pu flepe,
[toi. in1.] pis mornig is fo clere? "
He \vat3 I drowpig depe,
Bot pene he con hir here.

XXV.

In dres droupyg of dreme draueled tat noble, 1750

As mon pat wat3 in mornyg of mony pro bostes,

How pat deftine fchulde pat day his wyrde,

At pe grene chapel, when he pe gome metes,

& bi-houes his buffet abide, with oute debate more ;

Bot quen pat comly he keu9ed Ids wyttes, 1755

Swenges out of pe fweuenes, & fware3 w' haft.

pe lady luflych cum la3ande fwete,

Felle ou9 his fayre face, & fetly hy kyffed ;

He welcue3 hir worpily, with a wale chere ;

He fe3 hir fo glorio9, & gayly atyred, ir«o

So fautles of hir fetures, & of fo fyne hewes,

Wist wallande joye warmed his hert ;

W fmobe fmylytr & fmolt tay fmeten 1 to iri'be, „ „

I & wyne •
pat al wat3 blis & bonchef, tat breke hem bi-twene,

pay lanced wordes gode,

Much wele pe wat3 p9 ine,

Gret pile bi-twene hem ftod,

Nif mare of hir kny3t mjTie.

1 bi, i sec. manu.

66 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNY3T.

XXVI.

For pat prynce of pris deprefed hy fo pikke,
Nurned hy fo neje pe pred, rat nede hy bi-houed,
Op9 lach per hir luf, op9 lodly refufe ;
He cared for his cortayfye, left crajmyn he were,
& more for his mefchef, 3if he fchulde make fyne,
& be traytor to pat tolke, pat p' telde ajt.
" God fchylde," q pe fchalk, " pat fchal not be-falle ! "
Wl luf-lajyg a lyt, he layd hy by fyde
Alle pe fpeche3 of fpecialte pat fprange of her mouthe.
q pat burde to pe burne, " blame 3e differue,
3if 3e luf not pat lyf pat 3e lye nexte,
Bifore alle pe wy3es 1 pe worlde, wouded i hert,
Bot if 3e haf a leman, a leu9, pat yow lyke3 bett9,
& folden fayth to pat fre, feftned fo harde,
[foi. 115.] pat yow laufen ne lyft, & pat I leue noupe ;

And pat 3e telle me pat, now trwly I pray yow, , ,

For alle pe lufe3 vpon lyue, layne not pe fope,

pe kny3t fayde, " be fayn Jon,"

& fmepely con he fmyle,

" In fayth I welde ri3t non,

Ne non wil welde pe quile."

XXVII.

" }?at is a worde," q. pat wy3t, " pat worft is of alle,
Bot I am 1 wared for fope, pat fore me pinkke3 ;
Kyffe me now comly, & I fchal each hepen,
I may bot mone vpon molde, as may pat much louyes."
Sykande ho fwe3e dou, & femly hy kyffed,

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT. 67

& fiben ho feu9es hy fro, & fays as ho ftondes,

" Now, dere, at bis departyg, do me bis efe,

Gif rue fumquat of by gifte, bi gloue of hit were,

pat I may myne on be mon, my md°nyg to laffen." mo

" Now I wyffe," q bat wy3e, " I wolde I hade here

pe leueft big for by luf, bat I in londe welde,

For }e haf deferued, forfobe, fellyly ofte

More rewarde bi refou, be I reche my3t,

Bot to dele yow for drurye, bl dawed hot neked ; isos

Hit is not yd" hond" to haf at bis tyme

A gloue for a garyfou, of Gawayne3 giftej,

& I am here an erande I erde3 vncoube,

& haue no me wyth no male3, wl menfkful bigej ;

pat millyke3 me, lade, for luf at bis tyme 9,

Iche tolke mon do as he is tan, tas to non elle,

" Nay, hende of hyje honors,"

q. bat luffu vnder lyne,

" pa3 I hade 03t of yd"e3, uu

Jet fchulde 3e haue of myne."

XXVIII.

Ho ra3t hy a riche rynk of red golde werke3,
Wyth a ftarande fton, ftondande alofte,
pat here bluffchande beme3 as be bry3t fune ;
Wyt 3e wTel, hit wat3 worth wele ful hoge. 1*20

Bot be renk hit renayed, & redyly he fayde,
[feui.5b.] " I wil no gifte3 for gode, my gay, at bis tyme ;
I haf none yow to norne, ne no3t wyl I take."
Ho bede hit hy ful byfily, & he hir bode wernes,

1 if ? » tyne, MS.

k 2

68 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT.

& fwere fwyftely ' his fothe, ]?at he hit fefe nolde ;

& ho fore hat he forfoke, & fayde b9 after,

" If je renay my rynk, to ryche for hit femej,

3e wolde not fo hy3ly halden be to me,

I fchal gif yow my girdel, hat gaynes yow laffe."

Ho la3t a lace ly3tly, hat leke vmbe hir fyde,

Knit vpon hir kyrtel, vnder he clere mantyle,

Gered hit watj wl grene fylke, & w' golde fchaped,

No3t hot aroude bray den, beten w' fyngre3 ;

& hat ho bede to he burne, & blybely bi-fo3t

pa3 hit vn-worbi were, bat he hit take wolde.

& he nay bat he nolde negft i no wyfe,

Nauher golde ne garyfou, er god by g°ce fende,

To acheue to be chauce bat he hade chofen bere.

" & berfore, I pray yow, difplefe yow no3t,

& lette3 be yd" bifineffe, for I baybe hit yow neu9

I am derely to yow biholde,

Bi caufe of yo" fembelaut,

& eu9 I hot & colde

To be yd* trwe feruaut."

XXIX.

" Now forfake 3e bis filke," fayde be burde bene,
" For hit is fymple I hit felf, & fo hit wel feme3,
Lo ! fo hit is littel, & laffe hit is worhy ;
Bot who fo knew he coftes hat knit ar her ine,
He wolde hit prayfe at more prys, parauenture ;
For quat gome fo is gorde w' bis grene lace,
While he hit hade hemely halched aboute,

' fwyftel, MS.

to graiite ;

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT. 69

per is no habel vnder heuen to-hewe by pat my3t ;

For he my3t not be flayn, for fli3t vpon erbe."

pe kett be knyjt, & hit come to his hert, isa

Hit were a juel for he joparde, tat hy iugged were,

When he acheued to he chapel, his chek forto fech ;

My3 ' he haf flypped to be vn-flayn, be flejt were noble.

[fol. H6.] J?ene he bulged with hir brepe, & holed hir to fpeke,

& ho bere on hy re belt, & bede hit hy fwybe, isso

& he g"nted, & hy gafe with a goud wylle,

& bi-fo5t hym, for hir fake, difceu? hit neu9,

Bot to lellv layne, for hir lorde ; he leude hy acorde;, „ .

i- o " <-!!,,• t m ■. 1 II 'Oi' no;te ;

pat neu' wyje lchulde hit wyt, I wylle, bot pay twayne,

He bonkked hir oft ful fwybe,

Ful bro w1 hert & bo3t,

Bi rat on bryne fybe,

Ho hat3 kyft re kny3t fo tojt.

XXX.

Thene lachche3 ho hir leue, & leue3 hy here, is?«

For more myrhe of hat mon mo3t ho not gete ;

When ho* wat3 gon, i G. gere3 h)r fone,

Rifes, & riches hy i araye noble,

Lays vp he luf-lace, he lady hy ra3t,

Hid hit ful holdely, b9 he hit eft fonde ; isrs

Sybe cheuely to he chapel chofes he he waye,

Preuely aproched to a preft, & prayed hy here

pat he wolde lyfte3 his lyf, & lern hy bett9,

How his fawle fchulde be faued, when he fchuld feye here.

J?ere he fchrof by fchyrly, & fchewed his myfdedej, lsso

1 myjt ? - he, MS. > lyfte ?

70 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNY$T.

Of be more & be myne, & m9ci befeche3,

& of abfolucioii he on be fegge calles ;

& he afoyled hy furely, & fette hy fo clene,

As domej-day fchulde haf ben dijt on be morn.

& fyben he mace hy as mery amog be fre ladyes,

Wc comlych caroles, & alle kjTies ioye, t

As neu9 he did bot tat daye, to be derk ny3t,

Vche mon hade daynte bare,

Of hj', & fayde I wyffe,

p9 myry he \vat3 neu9 are,

Syn he com hider, er bis.

XXXI.

Now hy lenge i bat lee, b9 luf hy bi-tyde ;
jet is be lorde on be laude, ledande his gomnes,
He hat} forfaren bis fox, b' he fobjed longe ;
As he fprent ou9 a fpene, to fpye be fchrewe,
[foi.iieb.] per as he herd be howndes, bat hafted hy fwybe,
Renaud com richchande burj a ro3e greue,
& alle be rabel I a res, ry3t at his hele3.
pe wy3e \vat3 war of be wylde, & warly abides,
& brayde3 out be bryjt bronde, & at be beft cafte3 ;
& he fchiit for be fcharp, & fchulde haf arered,
A rach rapes hj' to, ry3t er he my3t,
& ry3t bifore be hors fete bay fel on hy alle,
& woried me bis wyly wyth a wroth noyfe.
pe lorde Iy3te3 bi-lyue, & cache3 by ' fone,
Rafed hy ful radly out of be rach moubes,
Halde3 he3e ou9 his hede, halowe3 fafte,

hy i

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT. 71

& b9 bayen hy mony bray houde3 ;

Hutes hyjen hem beder, w' horne3 ful mony, ivio

Ay rechatande ary3t, til bay be renk fe3en ;

Bi bat \vat3 cornea his compeyuy noble,

Alle bat eu9 ber bugle blowed at ones,

& alle bife ob9 halowed, bat hade no homes,

Hit wat3 be myrieft mute bat eu9 me herde,

a II wl lote ■

pe rich rurd bat b9 \vat3 rayfed for renaude faule,

Hor houde3 bay b9 rewarde,

Her ' hede3 bay fawne & frote,

& fyben bay tan reynarde, 1020

& turnen of his cote.

XXXII.

& bene bay helden to home, for hit wat3 nie3 ny3t,
Strakande ful ftoutly I hor ftore horne3 ;
J3e lorde is ly3t at be lafte at hys lef home,
Fynde3 fire vpon net, be freke b9 by-fide,
Sir Gawayn be gode, bat glad \vat3 wl alle,
Amog be ladies for luf he ladde much ioye.
He were a bleaut of blwe, bat bradde to be erbe,
His furkot femed hy wel, bat lbfte \vat3 forred,
& his hode of bat ilke henged on his fchulder,
Blande al of blaiiner were bobe al aboute.
He mete3 me bis god man I mydde3 be flore,
& al with gomen he hy gret, & goudly he fayde,
" I fchal fylle vpon fyrft oure forwarde3 noube,
[foi. 117.] pat we fpedly han fpoken, ber fpared wat3 no drynk ; "
pen acoles he [be] kny3t, & kyffes hy bryes,

1 her her, MS.

72 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT.

As fauerly & fadly as he hem fette couVe.

" Bi kryft," q tat oV9 knyjt, " $e each much fele,

I cheuifauce of Vis chaffer, 3k0 3e hade goud chepe3."

" }e of Ve chepe no charg," q chefly Vat 0 V9,

"As is pertly payed fce chepe3 Vat I a3te."

" Mary," q Vat 0V9 mon, " myn is bi-hynde,

For I haf huted al Vis day, & no3t haf I geten,

Bot Vis foule fox felle, Ve fende haf Ve gode3,

& Vat is ful pore, for to pay for fuche prys biges, , „

As 3e haf Vry3t me here, bro fuche bre coffes,

" Ino3," q f Gawayn,

" I bonk yow, bi Ve rode ; " —

& how Ve fox wat3 flayn,

He tolde hy, as bay ftode.

XXXIII.

With m9Ve & mynftralfye, wyth mete3 at hor wylle,
pay maden as mery as any me mo3ten,
Wl la3yg of ladies, w1 lote3 of borde3 ;
Gawayn & Ve gode mo fo glad were Vay boJ?e,
Bot if \e douthe had doted, 0V9 dronken ben 0V9,
BoVe fe mon & Ve meyny maden mony iape3,
Til Ve fefou wat3 fe3en, bat Vay feu9 mofte ;
Burne3 to hor bedde be-houed at Ve lafte.
pene lo3ly his leue at Ve lorde fyrft
Fechche3 Vis fre mon, & fayre he by J?onkke3, —
" Of fuch a fellyly ' foiorne, as I haf hade here,
Yo" hond", at Vis hy3e feft, Ve hy3e kyg yow 3elde !
1 3ef yow me for on of yo e3, if yowre felf lyke3,

' feUy?

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNY3T. 73

For I mot nedes, as ye wot, meue to morne ; ims

& ;e me take fu tolke, to teche, as 3e hy3t,
pe gate to be grene chapel, as god wyl me fufter
To dele, on nw3ere3 day, be dome of my wyrdes."
" In god fayfce," q, be god mon, " wyth a goud wylle ;
Al bat eu9 I yow hy^t, halde fchal I rede." iwo

per afygnes he a ieruaut, to fett hy I be waye,
[toi.ur1'.] & coudue hy by he downe3, bat he no drechch had,
For to ferk ' bur3 he fryth, & fare at be gayneft,
pe lorde Gawayn con honk, 197s

Such worchip he wolde hy weue ;
pe at bo ladye3 wlonk,
pe kny3t hat3 tan his leue.

XXXIV.

With care & wyth kyffyg he carppe3 hem tille,

& fele hryuande bonkke3 he brat horn to haue, 1

& bay 3elden hy a3ayn2 3eply bat ilk ;

pay bikende hy to kryft, w* ful colde fykyge3.

Syben fro be meyny he menfkly departes ;

Vche mon bat he mette, he made hem a bonke,

For his feruyfe, & his folace, & his fere pyne, u

pat bay wyth bufynes had ben, aboute hy to feme ;

& vche fegge as fore, to feu9 w* hy here,

As bay hade wonde worbyly w* hat wlonk eu9.

pe w* ledes & ly3t he wat3 ladde to his chambre,

& blybely bro3t to his bedde, to be at his reft ;

jif he ne flepe foudyly, fay ne dar I, . ,

For he hade muche on be morn to myne, 3if he wolde,

1 frk, MS. * ajay, MS.

74 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT.

Let hy lyje here ftille,

He hat3 nere bat he fojt,

& je wyl a whyle be ftylle,

I fchal telle yow how fray \vr03t.

[FYTTE THE FOURTH.]

N

ow ne3e3 he nw3ere, & he ny3t paffe3,
pe day dryue3 to he derk, as dry3tyu bidde3 ;
Bot wylde \vedere3 of he worlde wakned Reroute,
Clowdes keften kenly be colde to he erhe,
Wyth ny3e in nogft of be norbe, be naked to tene ;
pe fnawe fnitered ful fnart, hat fnayped be wylde ;
J?e werbelande wynde wapped fro be hy3e,
& drof vche dale ful of dryftes ful grete.
J7e leude lyitened ful wel, bat le3 1 his bedde,
J?a3 he lowke3 his lidde3, ful lyttel he flepes ;
Bi vch kok bat crue, he knwe wel be fteuen '.
[foi. us.] Deliu9ly he dreffed vp, er be day fprenged,

For here wat3 ly3t of a laupe *, bat lemed I his chambre ;
He called to his chamberlayn, bat cofly hy fwared,
& bede by bryg hy his bruny, & his blonk fadel ;
J?at oh9 ferke3 hy vp, & feche3 hy his wede3,
& graybe3 me f Gawayn vpon a grett wyfe.
Fyrft he clad hy I his clobe3, be colde forto were ;

1 This word is doubtful in the MS. ' laumpe i

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT. 75

& iyben his ob9 harnays, bat holdely wat3 keped,

Bobe his pauce, & his plate3, piked ful clene,

pe rygej rokked of be rouft, of his riche bruny ;

& al \vat3 frefch as vpon fyrst, & he wat3 fayn bene, ^ '

He hade vpon vche pece,

Wypped ful wel & wlonk ;

pe gayeft I to Grece,

pe burne bede bryg his blonk.

II.

Whyle be wlonkeft wedes he warp on hy feluen ;
His cote, wyth be conyfaiice of be clere werke3,
Ennurned vpon veluet v9tuu9 ftone3,
Aboute beten, & bouden, enbrauded feme3,
& fayre furred w* ine wyth fayre pelures.
jet laft he not be lace, be ladie3 gifte,
pat for-gat not Gawayn, for gode of hy feluen ;
Bi he hade belted be bronde vpon his balje haviche3,
pen dreffed he his drurye double hy aboute ;
Swybe fwebled vmbe his fwange fwetely, bat kny3t,
pe gordel of be grene filke, bat gay wel bi-femed,
Vpon bat rjrol red clohe, bat ryche wat3 to fchewe.
Bot wered not bis ilk wy3e for wele bis gordel,
For pryde of be pendaiite3, ba3 polyft bay were,
& J?a3 be glyt9ande golde glent vpon ende3,
Bot forto faue hy felf, when fufFer hy by-houed,
To byde bale w* oute dabate, of bronde hy to were,
Bi bat be bolde mon bou,

ob9 knyfFe ;

Wj-ne3 beroute bilyue,
Alle be meyny of renoii,
He bonkke3 ofte ful ryue.

76 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT.

III.

[fol.H8b.] Thene wat3 Gryngolet graybe, bat gret wat3 & huge,
& hade ben foioned fauyly, & I a fiker wyfe,
Hy lyft prik for poyt, bat proude hors J>ene ;
pe wy3e wynej hj' to, & wyte3 on his lyre,
& fayde ibberly hy felf, & by his foth fwere3,
" Here is a meyny I his mote, bat on menfke benkke3, —
pe mon hem mayntemes, ioy mot bay haue ;
pe leue lady, on lyue luf her bityde ;
3if bay for chary te cheryfen a geft,
& halden hond" 1 her honde, be habel he 3elde,
pat halde3 he heuen vpon hy3e, & al fo yow alle !
& 3if I my3t lyf vpon londe lede any quyle,
I fchuld rech yow fii rewarde redyly, if I my3t."
pen fteppe3 he I to ftirop, & ftryde3 alofte ;
His fchalk lchewed hy his fchelde, on fchulder he hit lajt,
Gorde3 to Gryngolet, w* his gilt hele3,
& he ftarte3 on he fton, ftod he no lenger,
His hafcel on hors \vat3 bene,
pat bere his fpere & laiice, —
" pis kaftel to kryft I kene,
He gef hit av sod chauce !"

to prauce ;

IV.

The brygge \vat3 brayde dou, & be brode 3ate3
Vn-barred, & born open, vpon bote halue ;
pe burne bleffed by bilyue, & )>e brede3 paffed ;
Prayfes be porter, bifore be prynce kneled,
Gef hym god & goud day, bat Gawayn he faue ;

bat tyde ,

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT. 11

& went on his way, wl his wyje one,

pat fchulde teche hy to td"ne to hat tene place, 20-5

per he ruful race he fchulde refayue.
pay bo3en bi bonkke3, b9 bo3e3 ar bare,
pay clomben bi clyffe3, her clenge3 he colde ;
pe heuen wat3 vp halt, bot vgly her vnder,
Milt muged on he mor, malt on he moute3,
Vch hille had a hatte, a myft-hakel huge ;
Broke3 byled, & breke, bi bonkke3 aboute,
Schyre fchat9ande on fchore3, b9 hay doii fchowned.
[ibl. 119.] Welawylle wat3 he way, her hay bi wod fchulden,
Til hit wat3 lone fefou, hat he fune ryfes,
pay were on a hille fill hy3e,
pe quyte fnaw lay bifyde ;
pe burne bat rod by by,
Bede his mayfter abide.

V.

" For I haf wonen yow hider, wyT3e, at his tyme,
& now nar 3e not fer fro hat note place,
pat 3e han fpied & fpuryed lb fpecially aft? ;
Bot I fchal fay yow for fobe, fyben I yow knowe,
& 3e ar a lede vpon lyue, bat I wel louy,
Wolde 3e worch bi my wytte, 3e worbed he bett9.
pe place bat 3e prece to, fill perelo9 is balden ;
per wone3 a vry$e 1 pat wafte, he worft vpon erhe ;
For he is ftiffe, & fturne, & to ftrike louies,
& more he is he any mon vpon myddelerde,
& his body bigger he be beft fowre,
pat ar I Arbure3 ho9, heftor ', oh9 oh9.

1 Hector ?

78 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT.

He cheue3 bat chauce at be chapel grene;

per paffes non bi hat place, fo proude I his armes,

pat he ne dyne3 hy to debe, wl dynt of his honde ;

For he is a mon methles, & mercy non vfes,

For be hit chorle, ob9 chaplayn, J»at bi be chapel rydes,

Monk, ob9 maffe-preft, ob9 any mon elles,

Hy Jjynk as queme hy to quelle, as quyk go hy feluen.

For by I fay be as fobe as 3e I fadel fitte,

Com je fere, 3e be kylled, may be knyjt rede,

Trawe 3e me rat trwely, ba3 je had twenty lyues

He hatj wonyd here ful 3ore,

On bent much baret bende,

A3ayn his dynte3 fore,

je may not yow defende."

VI.

" For by, goude f Gawayn, let be gome one,
& got3 a-way fu ob9 gate, vpon godde3 halue,
Cayre3 bi fu ob9 kyth, ber kryft mot yow fpede ;
[fbl.ii9V| & I fchal hy3 me horn a3ayn, & hete yow fyrre,
pat I fchal fwere bi god, & alle his gode hal3e3,
As help me god & be halydam, & o]>e^ I nogh,
pat I fchal lelly yow layne, & lance neu9 tale,
pat eu9 3e fondet to fie, for freke bat I wyft."
" G"nt m9ci," q. Gawayn, & gruchj'g he fayde,
" Wei worth \>e wy3e, bat wolde3 my gode,
& bat lelly me layne, I leue wel bu wolde3 !
Bot helde J?u hit neu9 fo holde, & I here paffed,
Foiided for ferde for to fie, I fome bat bu telle3,
I were a kny?t kowarde, I my3t not1 be excufed.

1 mot, MS.

to fpende ;

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT. 79

Bot I wyl to be chapel, for chauce Vat may falle,

& talk wyth bat ilk tulk be tale bat me lyfte, , . , ,

w . , :. i .„ r . Li 1 1 II hlt hafe ;

VVorpe hit wele, ojr wo, as pe wyrde lykej,
pa3e he be a fturn knape,
To ftijtel, & ' ftad w* ftaue,
Ful wel con dryjtyn fchape,
His feruaute3 forto faue."

VII.

" Mary !" q. bat ob9 mon, " now bu ib much fpelle3,

pat bu wylt byn awen nye nyme to by feluen,

& be lyft lefe by lyf, be lette I ne kepe ;

Haf here bi helme on by hede, bi fpere 1 bi honde,

& ryde me dou bis ilk rake, bi 3on rokke lyde,

Til bu be bro3t to be bobem of be brem valay ;

pene loke a littyl on be laude, on bi lyfte honde,

& bu fchal fe I bat flade be fell' chapel ,

& be borelych burne on bent, bat hit kepe3-

Now fare3 wel on gode3 hah', Gawayu pe noble,

For alle be golde vpon groude I nolde go wyth be,

Ne bere be fela3fchip pur3 bis fryth on fote fyrre."

Bi bat be wy>e 1 be wod wende3 his brydel,

Hit be hors wl he hele3, as harde as he my3t,

Lepe3 hy ou9 be laude, & leue3 be kn\'3t bere,

" Bi godde3 felf," q Gawayn,

" I wyl nau}>9 grete ne grone,

To godde3 wj^lle I am ful bayn,

& to hy I haf me tone."

1 & &, MS.

al one

80 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNY3T.

VIII.

[fol. 120.] Thene gyrde3 he to Gryngolet, & gedere3 be rake, awo

Schowue3 1 bi a fchore, at a fcha3e fyde,
Ride3 }>ur3 be ro3e bonk, ry3t to be dale ;
& bene he wayted hy aboute, & wylde hit hy J?o3t,
& fe3e no fygne of refette, bi-fyde3 nowhere,
Bot hy3e bonkke3 & brent, vpon bote halue, 216.5

& ru3e knokled knarre3, w* knorned ftone3 ;
pe fkwe3 of be fcowtes fkayned hy J>o3t.
pene he houed, & wyth-hylde his hors at ]?at tyde,
& ofte chauged his cher, be chapel to feche ;

He fe3 non fuche 1 no fyde, & felly hym \o^t, 2170

Sone a lyttel on a laude, a lawe as hit were ' ;
A bal3 ber3, bi a bonke, te bryme by-fyde,
Bi a for3 of a node, frl ferked ^are ;
J?e borne blubred J^er Ine, as hit boyled hade,
pe kny3t kache3 his caple, & com to }>e lawe, 21-5

Li3te3 doii luflyly, & at a lynde tache3
pe rayne, & his riche, with a ro3e brauche ;
pene he bo3e3 to be ber3e, aboute hit he walke3,
Debetande w* hy felf, quat hit be my3t.

Hit hade a hole on J>e ende, & on ayter fyde, 2iso

& ou9-growen w* greffe 1 glodes ay where,
& al wat3 hol3 I w', no bot an old caue, t

Or a creuiffe of an olde cragge, he coube hit no3t deme,
" We, lorde," q. be gentyle kny3t, 2135

" Wheber bis be be grene chapelle ;
He my3t aboute myd-ny3t,
pe dele his matynes telle !"

1 -we, MS.

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNY3T.

IX.

" Now I wyffe," q Wowayn, " wyfty is here ;
pis oritore is vgly, wl erbej ou? growen ;
We] bii'eme3 be wy3e wruxled I grene
Dele here his deuocioii, on he deuelej wyfe ;
Now I fele hit is be fende, I my fyue wytte3,
pat hat3 ftoken me bis fteuen, to ftrye me here ;
pis is a chapel of meschauce, tat chekke hit by-tyde,
Hit is he crafedeft kyrk, tat eu9 I com lae !"
[fol .1 '.»()''.] With heje helme on his hede, his laiice I bis honde,
He rome3 vp to be rokke of ho ro3 wone3 ;
pene herde he of tat hy3e hil, I a harde roche,
Bi3onde be broke, I a bonk, a wonder breme noyfe,
Quat hit clat9ed I be clyff, as hit cleue fchulde,
As one vpon a gryndelfton hade grouden a fyhe ;
What hit wharred, & whette, as wat9 at a mulne,
What hit rufched, & ronge, rawbe to here,
pene " bi godde," q Gawayn, " bat gere, at ' I trowe,
Is ryched at be reu9ence, me renk to mete,
Let god worche we loo,
Hit helppe3 me not a mote,
My lif ba3 I for-goo,
Drede dot3 me no lote."

Thene be kny3t con calle ful hy3e,

" Who fti3tle3 I bis fted, me fteuen to holde ?

bi rote

82 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT.

For now is gode Gawayn goande ry3t here,
If any wyje 03t wyl wyne hider faft,
Ob9 now, ob9 neu9, his nede3 to fpede."
" Abyde," q on on ]>e bonke, abouen ou9 his hede,
" &.pu fchal haf al I haft, bat I be hyjt ones."
jet he rufched on Vat rurde, rapely a browe,
& wyth quettyg a wharf, er he wolde lyjt ;
& fyben he keu9e3 bi a cragge, & come3 of a hole,
Whyrlande out of a wro, wyth a felle weppen,
A dene3 ax nwe dy3t, be dynt w* o ' 3elde
W a borelych bytte, bende by be halme,
Fyled I a fylor, fowre fote large,
Hit wat3 no laffe, bi pat lace pat lemed ful bry3t.
& pe gome i pe grene gered as fyrlt,
Bope pe lyre & pe legge3, lokke3, & berde,
Saue pat fayre on his fote he foude3 on pe erpe,
Sette pe ftele to the ftone, & ftalked byfyde.
When he wan to pe watter, per he wade nolde,
He hypped ou9 on hys ax, & orpedly ftryde3,
Bremly brope on a bent, pat brode wat3 a-boute,
[fol. 121.] £ Gawayn be kny3t con mete,
He ne lutte hy no pyg lowe,
pat op9 fayde, " now, € fwete,
Of fteuen mon may be trowe."

XI

" Gawayn," q fat grene gome, " god ]>e mot loke !

I wyffe bu art welcom'*, wy3e, to my place,

& p" hat3 tymed ]?i trauayl as tue3 mon fchulde ;

' to ? - welcon, MS. 3 tuee, MS.

on lhave.

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT. 83

& bu knowe3 be couenaute3 keft v9 by-twene,

At bis tyme twelmonyth bu toke b' be failed,

& I fchulde at bis nwe jere jeply be quyte.

& we ar I bis valay, v9ayly oure one, 2245

Here ar no renkes vs to rydde, rele as v9 like3 ;

Haf by by helme of by hede, & haf here by pay ;

Bufk no more debate be I be bede bene,

When y wypped of my hede at a wap one."

" Nay, bi god," q Gawayn, " y me goft lante, 2250

1 fchal gruch be no grwe, for grem bat fallej ;

Bot ftvUel be vpon onftrok, & I fchal ftonde ftylle, „ , ,,

" ' y , , , _ J || no whare.

& warp be no wernyg, to worch as be lyke3,

He lened w* be nek, & lutte, 2255

& fchewed bat fchyre al bare,

& lette as he no3t dutte,

For drede he wolde not dare.

XII.

The be gome 1 be grene graybed hy fwybe,
Gedere3 vp hys gryme tole, Gawayn to frayte ;
W alle be bur I his body he ber hit on lofte,
Miit as ma3tyly, as marre by he wolde ;
Hade hit dryuen adou, as dre3 as he atled,
per hade ben ded of his dynt, bat do3ty wat3 eu9.
Bot Gawayn on bat giferne glyfte hy byfyde,
As hit com glydande adoii, on glode hy to fchende,
& fchranke a lytel w' be fchulderes, for be fcharp yrne.
pat ob9 fchalk wyth a fchiit be fchene wyth-halde3,
& bene repreued he be prynce wl mony prowde worde3 : —
" pu art not Gawayn," q, be gome, " b' is fo goud halden,
pat neu9 ar3ed for no here, by hylle ne be vale,

m 2

84 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT.

[fol.i2iV| & now bu fles for ferde, er bu fele harme3 ;

Such cowardife of tat knyjt cowbe I neu9 here.

Nawb9 fyked I, ne fla3e, freke, quen b° mynteft,

Ne keft no kauelacou, in kyge3 ho9 Arthor,

My hede fia3 to my fote, & 3et fla3 I neu9 ;

& bu, er any harme hent, ar3e3 I hert, 9

Wherfore J?e better burne me burde be called,

" q G:", " I fchiit one3,

& lb wyl I no more,

Bot ba3 my hede falle on be ftone3,

I con not hit reftore.

XIII.

Bot bufk, burne, bi bi fayth, & bryg me to be poyt,
Dele to me my deftine, & do hit out of honde,
For I fchal ftonde be a itrok, & ftart no more,
Til by ax haue me hitte, haf here my trawbe."
" Haf at be bene," q bl ob9, & heue3 hit alofte,
& \vayte3 as wrobely, as he wode were ;
He mynte3 at hy ma3tyly, Dot not be mon ryue3,
With-helde het9ly his ' honde, er hit hurt my3t.
Gawayn graybely hit byde3, & glent w* no membre,
Bot ftode ftylle as be fton, ob9 a ftubbe auber,
pat rabeled is I roche groude, wl rote3 a hundreth.
pe muryly efte con he mele, be mon I be grene,
" So now bu hat3 bi hert holle, hitte me bihoues2;
Halde be now be hy3e hode, bat Arbur be ra3t,
& kepe by kanel at bis keft, jif hit keu9 may."
G: ful gryndelly wl greme bene fayde,

1 hs, MS. - bilious, MS.

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KKYJT. 85

ri5t nowe."

" Wy prefch on, pu pro mon, pu }>rete3 to longe,
I hope pat pi hert ar3e wyth pyn awen feluen."
" For fope," q, pat op9 freke, " fo felly pu fpeke3,
1 wyl no leng9 on lyte lette pin ernde,
pene tas he ' hy ftrype to ftryke,
& froufes bope lyppe & browe,
No meruayle J>a3 hy myflyke,
pat hoped of no refcowe.

XIV.

He lyftes lyjtly his lome, & let hit do a fay re,
[fol.122.] Wl pe barbe of pe bitte bi pe bare nek;
pa3 he homered het9ly, hurt hy no more,
Bot fnyrt hy on pat on fyde, pat feu9ed pe hyde ;
pe fcharp fchrank to re flefche pur3 pe fchyre grece,
pat pe fchene blod ou9 his fchulderes fchot to pe erre.
& cpxen pe burne fe3 pe blode blenk on re fnawe,
He fprit forth fpene fote more pe a fpere lenpe,
Hent het9ly his helme, & on his hed calt,
Schot w' his fchuldere3 his fayre fchelde vnder,
Brayde3 out a bry3t fworde, & bremely he fpeke3 ;
Neu9 fyn pat he \vat3 burne borne of his moder,
Wat3 ne neuV i fis worlde, wy3e half fo blype : —
" Blyne, burne, of \>y bur, bede me no mo ;
I haf a ftroke i pis fted wl oute ftryf hent,
& if row reche3 me any mo, I redyly fchal quyte,
& 3elde 3ederly a3ayn, & p9 to 3e tryft,
Bot on ftroke here me falle3,
pe couenaut (chap ry3t foo,

' he he, MS.

86 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT.

'I Arbure3 halkrj,

& ber foi-e, hende, now hoo !" ssao

XV.

The habel heldet hy fro, & on his ax refted,
Sette be fchaft vpon fchore, & to be fcharp lened,
& loked to be leude, bat on be launde 3ede,
How bat do3ty dredles dernely ber ftonde3,

Armed ful a3le3 ; I hert hit hy lyke3. 2335

pen he mele3 muryly, wyth a much fteuen,
& wyth a rykande rurde he to be renk fayde,
" Bolde burne, on bis bent be not fo gryndel ;
No mon here vn-man9ly be mys-boden habbe,
Ne kyd, bot as couenaude, at kyge3 kort fchaped ; 2340

I hy3t be a ftrok, & bu hit hat3, balde be wel payed,
1 relece be of be remnaut, of ry3tes alle ob9 ;
?if ' I deliuer had bene, a boffet, paraut9,
I coube wrobeloker haf, waret, to be haf wro3t ang9 '.
Fyrft I manfed be muryly, w* a mynt one, 2345

[fol.122'1.] & roue be wyth no rof, fore wl ry3t I be pfered,
For be forwarde bat we feft i be fyrft ny3t,
& bu tryftyly be trawbe & trwly me halde3,
Al be gayne bow me gef, as god mon fchulde ;
pat ob9 miit for be morne, mon, I be profered,
pu kyffedes my clere wyf, be coffe3 me ra3te3,
For bobe two here I be bede bot two bare myntes,
Trwe mon trwe reftore,

pene bar mo drede no wabe ; 23ss

At be brid bu fayled bore,
& b9 for bat tappe tabe.

1 Illegible. 2 uf, MS. 3 This word is doubtful.

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNY3T.

XVI.

For hit is my wede bat bu \vere3, bl ilke wouen girdel,
Myn owen wyf hit he weued, I wot wel forfobe ;
Now know I wel by coffes, & by coftes als,
& be wowyg of my wyf, I wro3t hit myfeluen ;
I fende hir to afay be, & fothly me bynkke3,
On be fautleft freke, bat eu9 on fote jede ;
As perle bi be quite pefe is of prys more,
So is Gawayn, i god fayth, bi ob9 gay kny3te3.
Bot here yow lakked a lyttel, £, & lewte yow wonted,
Bot bat wat3 for no wylyde werke, ne wowyg naub9,
Bot for 3e lufud yd* lyf, be laffe I yow blame."
pat ob9 ftif mon i ftudy ftod a gret whyle ;
So agreued for greme he gryed wl Ine,
Alle be blode of his breft blende T his face,
pat al he fchrank for fchome, bat be fchalk talked,
pe forme worde vpon folde, bat be freke meled, —
" Corfed worth cowarddyfe & couetyfe bobe !
I yow is vylany & vyfe, bat v9tue difftrye3."
pene he ka3t to be knot, & be keft lawfe3,
Brayde brobely be belt to be burne feluen : —
" Lo ! ber be falffyg, foule mot hit falle !
For care of by knokke cowardyfe me ta3t
To a-corde me w* couetyfe, my kynde to for-fake,
pat is larges & lewte, bat longe3 to knyjte3.
Now am 1 fawty, & falce, & ferde haf ben eu9
Of trecherye & vn-trawbe bobe bityde for3e,
[foi. 123.] I bi-knowe yow, knyjt, here ftylle,
Al fawty is my fare,
Lete3 me ou9-take jrd" wjdle,
& efte I fchal be ware."

& care !

88 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT.

XVII.

Then lo3e pat oh9 leude, & luflyly fayde,

" I halde hit hardily1 hole, be harme bat I hade ; 2

pu art confeffed fo clene, be-knowen of by myffes,

& hat3 be penauce apert, of be poj't of myn egge,

1 halde be polyfed of pat ply3t, & pured as clene,

As hu hade3 neu9 forfeted, fybe bu wat3 fyrft borne.

& I gif be, £, be gurdel bat is golde hemed ; 2

For hit is grene as my goune, £ G :, 3e maye

penk vpon bis ilke brepe, b9 bu forth bryge3

Amog prynces of prys, & his a pure token

Of be chauce of be grene chapel, at cheualro9 kny3te3 ;

& 3e fchal 1 his nwe 3er a3avn to my \v0ne3, . , ,

/ n . u -\ ci.- u t a fulbene."

& walch y reuel re remnaut of pis ryche felt,

per labed hy faft he lorde,

& fayde, " w* my wyf, I wene,

We fchal yow wel acorde, ;

pat wat3 yo" enmy kene."

XVIII.

" Nay, for fobe," q re fegge, & fefed hys helme,

& hat3 hit of hendely, & be habel bonkke3,

" I haf foiorned fadly, fele yow bytyde,

& he 3elde hit 30W 3are, pat 3arkke3 al mefkes ! :

& comaiide3 me to pat cortays, yd" comlych fere,

Bobe hat on & hat op9, myn honored ladye3,

pat b9 hor kny3t wyth hor keft han koytly bigyled.

1 hardilyly, MS.

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNY3T. 89

Bot hit is no ferly, J»a3 a fole madde,

& hui'3 wyles of wymen be wonen to for3e ; mis

For fo \\at3 Adam I erde w' one bygyled,
& Salamon wl fele fere, & Samfon eft fone3,
Dalyda dalt hy hys wyrde, & Dauyth ber aft9
Wat3 blended w* Barfabe, bat mucb bale boled.
Now bese were wratbed wyth her wyles, hl were a wyne huge, 2420
To luf hom wel, & leue hem not, a leude bat coube,
[foU23t>.] For bes wer forne be freeft bat fohjed alle be fele,
Exellently of alle byte ot9, vnder heuen-ryche,
& alle bay were bi-wyled, ms

With ' wymen bat bay vfed,
pa3 I be now bigyled,
Me bink me burde be excufed."

XIX.

" Bot yo* gordel," q, G: " god yow for-3elde !

pat wyl I welde wyth good wylle, not for be wyne golde, 243u

Ne be faynt, ne be fylk, ne be fyde pendaudes,

For wele, ne for worchyp, ne for be wlonk werkke3,

Bot i fygne of my furfet I fchal fe hit ofte ;

When I ride I renou, reinorde to myfeluen

pe faut & be fayntyfe of be flefche crabbed, 2435

How tender hit is to entyfe teches of fylbe ;

& b9, quen pryde fchal me pryk, for prowes of amies,

pe loke to bis luf lace fchal lebe my hert.

Bot on I wolde yow pray, difplefes yow neu9 ;

Syn 5e be lorde of the 3onder londe, b9 I haf lent Ine,

Wyth yow wyth worfchyp, — be wy^e hit yow 3elde

1 with wyth, MS.

N

90 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT.

pat vp-halde3 be heue, & on hy3 fitte3, —

How norne 3e yowre ry3t norae, & bene no more?"

" pat fchal I telle be trwly," q f ob9 bene,

" Bernlak de Hautdefert I hat i J»is londe,

pui'3 my3t of Morgne la Faye, J>at I my ho9 lenges,

& ' koyntyfe of clergye, bi craftes wel lerned,

pe mayftres of M9lyn, mony ho2 taken ;

For ho hat3 dalt drwry ful dere fu tyme,

With bat conable klerk, bat knowes alle yo" knyjtej,

Morgne be goddes,

perfore hit is hir name ;

Welde3 non fo hy3e hawteffe,

pat ho ne con make ful tame.

XX.

Ho wayned me vpon bis wyfe to yd" wyne halle,
For to affay be furquidre, 3if hit foth were,
pat renes of be grete renou of he Roude Table ;
Ho wayned me bis wonder, yd' wytte3 to reue,
[fol. 124.] For to haf greued Gaynd", & gart hir to dy3e,

W' gopnyg of bat ilke gomen, bat goftlych fpeked,

Wl his hede i his honde, bifore be hy3e table.

pat is ho bat is at home, be aiician lady ;

Ho is euen byn aut, Arbure3 half fufter,

pe duches do3ter of Tyntagelle, bat dere Vt9 aft9

Hade Arbur vpon, bat abel is nowbe.

perfore I ebe be, habel, to com to by naiit,

Make myry I my ho9, my meny be louies,

& I wol be as wel, wy3e, bi my faythe,

1 in ? - ho hatj ?

at hame ;

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYJT.

91

As any gome vnder god, for by grete traube."
& he nikked by naye, he nolde hi no wayes ; —
pa}- acolen & kyffen, [bikennen] ayber ob9
To be prynce of paradife, & parten ryjt bere,
Gawayn on blonk ful bene,
To be kyges trarj bufke3 bolde,
& be kny3t I be enker grene,
Whiderwarde fo eu9 he wolde.

on coolde ;

XXI.

Wylde waye3 i be worlde Wowen now rydej,
On Gryngolet, bat be g"ce hade geten of his lyue ;
Ofte he herbered I houfe, & ofte al Reroute,
& mony a-venture I vale, & venquyft ofte,
pat I ne ty3t, at bis tyme, I tale to remene.
pe hurt \vat3 hole, bat he hade hent I his nek,
& be blykkande belt he bere beraboute,
A belef as a bauderyk, boiiden bi his fyde,
Loken vnder his lyfte arme, be lace, w* a knot,
I tokenyg he wat3 tane I tech of a faute ;
& b9 he conies to be co"t, kny3t al I foude.
per wakned wele I bat wone, when wyft be grete,
pat gode G : wat3 comen, gayn hit hym bo3t ;
pe k\rg kyffe3 be kny3t, & be whene alee,
& fyben mony fyker knyjt, bat fo3t hy to haylce,
Of his fare bat hy frayned, & ferlyly he telles ;
Bi-knowe3 alle be coftes of care bat he hade, —
pe chauce of be chapel, be chere of be kny3t,
[foi.iii'.] pe luf of be ladi, be lace at be laft.

pe nirt I be nek he naked hem fchewed,
pat he la3t for his vnleute at be leudes hondes,

n 2

for blame ;

92 SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNY}T.

He tened quen he fchulde telle,

He groned for gref & grame ;

pe blod I his face con melle,

When he hit fchulde fchewe, for fcharae.

XXII.

" Lo ! lorde," a, be leude, & be lace hondeled,

" pis is be bende of his blame I bere [in] my nek,

pis is be labe & he loffe, hat I lajt haue,

Of couardife & couetyfe, hat I haf ca3t bare,

pis is he token of my trawbe, hat I am tan Ine,

& I mot nedej hit were, wyle I may laft ;

For non may hyden his harme, bot vnhap ne may hit.

For b9 hit onej is tachched, twyne wil hit neu9."

pe kyg comforte3 he knyjt, & alle he cd"t als,

La3en loude b9 at, & luflyly acorden,

pat lordes & ladis, hl longed to he Table,

Vche burne of he brob9-hede a bauderyk fchulde haue,

A bende, a belef hy a-boute, of a bry3t grene,

& hat, for fake of bat fegge, i fwete to were.

For hat wat3 acorded he renoii of he Roude Table,

& he honored hat hit hade, eu9 more aft9,

As hit is breued I he beft boke of romauce.

p9 I Arthur9 day bis aut9 bitidde,

pe Brut9 bokef h9 of beres wytteneffe ;

Sybe Brut9, he bolde burne, bo3ed hider fyrft,

Aft9 be fegge & he afaute wat3 fefed at Troye,

Mony aut9e3 here bi-forne,

Haf fallen fuche er bis : —

Now bat bere he croii of borne,

He bryg v9 to his blyffe ! AMEN.

Cije atontprs of &rt|mre at tfje
Cerne SUatljelpne,

Sere fcpc&utnes Cfje atontprs of 8rtjmre at tf)e
Cerne Watfjelpfi-

I

i.

[fol. 154.] ~ N 'Kyng Arthure tyfh1 ane awntir by-tyde,

By the TerneWahethelyn, als9 the buke tellis,
Als3 he to Carelele was comen, that4 conqueroure kyde,
With dukes, and wt5 ducheperes, bat w* bat15 dere duellys,
For7 to hunte at the herdys, bat lange hafe * bene hyde ; s

And " one a daye bay bam 10 dighte to be depe dellis,
To fette" of bc femmales, in be'- forefte Vele frythede",
Faire "in the fernyfone tyme, by frythis14, and fellis.

Thus to be" wode are10 thay wente, the wlonkelte in wedys, ,

Bothe the kynge, and the qwene, -|

And ah be doghety by-dene, 1 Dame Gayenoure he ledis.-1

Syr Gawane, gayefte one grene, '

I. — ' the tyme of Arthur, MS. Douce. 2 Turnewathelan, as. > Whan. 4 and.
This word omitted. 6 J>e. " Om. 8 had. ■' Om. "> hem. "fall'. '- Om.
1 and frydde. H by ]>e firmyfchamis, in frithes. '■"' Om. l6 arii.

96 THE AWNTYRS OF ARTHt RE.

II.

And1 thus f Gawane be gay, dame" Gayencf he ledis,

In a glet'ande gyde, bat glemet fuft gaye ;

With riche rebanes reuerffede, 'who bt3 righte redys,

Raylede w' rubes, 'one royalle4 arraye ;

Hir hude 'was of ha we5 hewe, y hir hede hydys,

'Wroghte wl peloure, and patte, and6 perrye to paye ;

Schruedede7 in a fchorte cloke, bat the rayne fchrydes8,

Sett ou9 wl fafyrs, fufh' fothely to saye.

'And thus wondirfully was ah be wyghtis wedys10,

Hir faditt femyde " of hat ilke, 1

'Semlely fewede wtia fylke; Gayely fcho" glydis. -1

One a muyle als13 the milke,

III.

Thus1 alle in glefande golde gayely fcho° glydis
The gates, wl € Gawane, by a3 grene wehe ;
'Nane bot hym felfe, one a' blonke, 'by y birde5 bydis,
That borne was in Burgoyne, by buke, & by berle ;
He ledde y lady so lange by 'bofe lande36 fydys,
Sythen' vndir a 'lorere fcho8 lyghte, lawe by a fetie ;
Sirr' Arthure, w* his erles, furl10 erneftly rydis,
To teche 'ram to baire triftis, trewely11 to tetie.

II. — ' Om. - Om. s ho fo. 4 of rialT. 5 of a herde. 6 Of pillor, of pal-
werk, of. " Schurde. f fhedes. ° Om. I0 With faffres & feladynes, fet by
f>e fides. " fette. :1 Saude with fambutes of. " as. I4 fhe.

III. — ' Om. - ho. 3 J>e. 4 And J>at burne, on his. s with the Quene. 6 ]>e
lawe. ' Om. 8 lorre fey. "And. >° Om. " hem to her triftres, ]>e trouthe for.

THE AWNTYRS OF ARTHURE. 97

To 'bake triftis he bam taughte, who bl righte12 trowes,
'like a'3 lorde, wl owttjrn lett, —

At his trifle was he sett14,

W bowe and w' barcelett,

Vndir bofe15 bewes.

IV.

Vndir bofe' bewes bay bade, bofe beryns so bolde,
To bekire at 'bofe barrayne", in bankis so bare ;
[fol. I5ibj Thay kefte of baire3 copitts, in clyffes so calde ;

'Thay recomforthed baire4 kenettis, to 'kele ham5 of care ;
pare myghte 'hirdmen, hendely forfothte", herdis by-halde,
Herkyn huntynge V* hornnes7, in holtis so hare;
pay 'fellede downe* be femmaHs, fuft thikke folde,

W frefche hundis, and fette, 'felonofly hay9 fare.

'pay queftede10, and quellys, —

By" fry this and fellis,

'pat be dere dwellys1",

'& darkys and darys1

V.

'Atte darkis1 the dere, ^and to down fchowys2,
And3, for be dowte4 of be dede5 drowpys the daa,
And by be ftremys so ftrange, hat fwyftly swoghes6,

'• here triftres he hem taint, ho ]>e trouth. ls Eche. 14 To aii oke he hem fette.

)>e.

IV. — ' J>e. 2 J>es baraynes. 3 here. 4 Conforte her. 5 hele hem. e hapeles
in hi;. ' in haft. 8 fel of . ■' ]>ei folowen her. '" With gret queftes. " Both in.
1 - All' the dure in ]ie delles. 13 They durken, and dare. In MS. Douce the lines
5, 6 are transposed be/ore the two which precede. In both MSS. a line seems wanting
(the ninth) to complete the stanza.

V. — ' Then durken. ■ in ]>e dyme fkuwes. 3 fat. 4 drede. 5 deth. 6 This
line is omitted in MS. D.

0

98 THE AWNTYRS OF ARTHURE.

pay wery be wilde fwyne, and 'wyrkkis Jiam waa7 ;

Thay hunte, and halowes, in holttis and hillys8,

'And tin" baire rifte, raches relyes on baire raye9 ;

Thay gafe no10 gamen, 'no grythe", J>* one grownde growes,

Grete hundis1'2 [in the greues13] futt'4 gladly 'gan gaa'5.

Thus thies gomes bay ga"*, in grevys so grene,

'And boldly blawes rechayfe ", 1

And folowes 1S fafte one be trafe, Swylk19 lblauce to fene.

Wl many fergyaunte of mace, '

VI.

Thus1 wl folauce hay femelede2, the prowdefte in patte,
And few' to be foueraygne, 'in cleues fo dene" ;
Nane5 hot f Gawane, the6 gayefte of atte,
By-leuys wl dame Gaynd" in 'bole greues7 grene ;
Vndir a lorrere 'fcho laye8, bat lady fo fmatte,
Off boxe, and of barborahV, byggyde futt bene ;
Fafte by-fore vndrone10, this ferly gun" falle,
And this mekitt mervette, bat I of" mene.

Now witt " I of this mervette meen, jif I mote ;

The daye waxe als dirke,

Als14 it were mydnyghte myrke ;-
Ther of '# Gawane15 was irke,

And lyghte one his fote.

7 worchen he wo. s The huntes )>ei halowe, in hurftes and huwes. 9 And bluwe
rechas, ryally fei rail to the ro. I0 to no. " Om. '- |>e grete gre[u]ndes.

13 Supplied from MS. D. H fo. l5 ]>ei go. l6 So gladly ]>ei gofi. 17 The king
blowe rechas. ls folowed. 1!l ]>'.

VI. — ' Om. s femble. 3 fuwen. 4 w' in fchaghes fchene. J Al. e Om.
7 greues fo. 8 ho was li$t. ^ berber. 10 vndre. "con. 14 fhal of. u wol.

14 As. 15 fe king.

THE AWNTYRS OF ARTHURE. 99

VII.

Thus one' fote are hay 'lyghte, bofe2 frekis vn-fayne,

And 'fledde fafte to3 the forefte, and4 to be fawe5 fellis ;

Thay rane fafte to the roches, for reddoure of bc rayne6,

For be 'flete, and y snawe, bat snayppede taiii so merle7 ;

Thare come a 'lowe one the loughe, i lede es noghte9 to layne,

In the lyknes of Lucy fere, layeth efte in heHe ;

And glyddis to 'dame Gaynoure9 the gatis furl10 gayne,

'jollande jamyrly", with many lowde jetle1".

Tt 3ellede, it 3amede, with vengeance furl13 wete;

And saide/ofte syghandefuti" sare,-i

" I ame15 the body vt' teis bare, 1 I gloppyn17 and I grete!" •

[foi. 155.] Alias ! now kyndyls my kare,

VIII.

Thane gloppenyde, and grett, dame' Gaynoure the gay, ss

And afkede- € Gawayne, whatt "was his befte3 rede?

" It es4 the clippes of the mone4, I herde a clerke saye ;" —

And thus he comforthede6 be qwene, w" his knyghtehede. —

" Sir Cadore, xSir Caduke, Sir Coftarde", Sir Kaye,

Thir" knyghtis are10 vn-curtayfe, by crofe, & by crede! s>o

That thus 'me hafe lefte in this erthe, at my dede" daye,

VII. — 'to. 2 faren )>es. 3fleenfro. * Om. 3 fewe. 6 This line and line 6
are omitted in MS. D. ' fneterand fnawe fnartly hem fnelles. s lede of J>e lawe.
in londe is not. 9 Syr Gawayn. 10 to. ' ' Jauland, and jomerand. 12 jelles. ,3 Hit
jaules, hit gamers, w' waymynges. 14 with fiking. ,s ban. 16 me. IT gloppe.

VIII. — ' Om. 2 feid to. 3 is ]>i good. 4 ar. 5 foil. 6 confortes. ' for.
s Sir Cleges, Sir Coftardyne. 9 pes. 10 arn. " oonly haue me laft on my de)>e.

o 2

100 THE AWNTYRS OF ARTHURE.

With the gryfelyefte gafte, tat eu9 herde I grete1" !" —

" 'At this" gafte," quod 'f Gaweayne'4, " greue 3owe no more;-i

I15 satte fpeke w* 3one16 fpyrete,

'In 3one wayes so17 wete,

'If I'8 maye the bales bete,

Of 3one,s body bare

-__J

IX.

Bare was hir' body, and blake to the bone,

Arte by-claggede in claye, Vn-comlyly clede" ;

It 'weryit, it wayemettede, lyke3 a woman,

'pat now])9 one hede, ne on hare, hillynge4 it hade ;

It ftottyde5, it ftounede, it ftode als6 a ftane,

It marrede, it 'mcfnede, it moyffed7 for made.

'Vn to hat" gryfely gafte £ Gaweayne es gane ;

He raykede 'to it one'' a rafe, for he10 was neu9 rade".

'For rade1" was he neu9, 'nowe who ptl3 ryghte redys ;-

One p chefe of y chotte14,

'Glowand als17 s;]edis.-

A 'tade pykit one hir15 pofte,

Hir eghne ware '6 holkedefutt hotie,-J

X.

Atte glowede 'als gledis1 the gafte, 'whare fcho" glydis,
'Vmbyclede in3 a clowde, V* clethynge4 vn-clere ;

'- Written at first grede, and so MS. D. 13 Of be. H be gome. ls For I. I6 be,
17 And of }>e wayes I shall'. 18 What. 1!' be.

IX. — ' be. 2 in vncomly cladde. 3 waried, hit wayment, as. 4 But on hide,
ne on huwe, no heling. 5 ftemered. 6 as. 7 memered, hit mufed. 8 Agayfi be.
9 out at. I0 Om. "drad. '- Drad. u ho lb. 14 clolle. 14 pade pike? on be.
16 Om. " That gloed as be.

X. — ' as a glede. 2 bere ho. ' Ymbe-clipped hi w'. 4 of cleyng.

THE AWNTYRS OF ARTHURE.

101

Cerkelytt5 with serpentes, 'bat satt by hir6 sydes; —

To tette }*c dedis7 ber one, my tonge were to8 tere.

The 'beryri brawndeche owte his1' brande, and the body bydis,

There fore bat10 cheualrous knyghte 'thoghte it" no chere ;

The hundes 'are to billys14, & 'baire hedes13 hydes,

For tat14 gryfely gafte made so1' gryme bere.

The grete grewhundes were agayfte, "for bat16 grym bere ;

The birdes on'7 the bewes,

pat one 'that gafte gewes18, That 'hedows when bay"1 here.

Thay clyme'51 in tbe clewes-0,

XI.

'Who bat myghte bat hedows see, hendefte in' hautte,

How 'hir choite chatirede, hyr chaftis, and hir9 chyne ; no

Thane coniurede 'hir bat3 knyghte, and4 one Crifte gun5 he catte, —

" AhV bou was crucyfyede one croyfe, to 'i'aue vs fra7 syn,

'Thou fpirette, saye8 me the fothe, whedir rat" bou salt,

And whi bat9 bouwalkes10 thies wayes, thies" woddis, w* inn?" —

" I was of fegure, and 'of flefche, the'* fayerefte of alte,

Criftenede, and kryfomede13, with kynges in my kyn. 125

[fol.i55">.] I hafe kynges in my kyn, knawen 'kyde futi" kene; ,

God hafe Tent me this" grace, 1

To drye my paynes in this place, -
'And nowe am I comen one a pafe",-1

To fpeke with ",oure qwene.-

' Skeled. 6 all' aboute J>e. : todes. 8 full'. ■• burne braides out J>e. ,n |<e.
11 changed. " hi;en to |>e wode. 15 here hede. H ]>e. li a. 16 of ]>e. '~ in.
'- pe gooft glowes. ' 1'kryke. -" fkowes. '2I hapeles may.

XI. — ' HaJ'elefe miit here fo fer into. '2 cliatered |>e cholle, )>e chalus on ]>e. 3 |>e.
* Om. 5 coii. 6 As. ' clanl'e vs of. s 'lliat J/1 fei. '■> Om. 10 walkeft. " |<e.
'- face. " knoweii. H for. In MS. L. first written " for kyde," bat afterwards
" for" crossed out and " full' kene" added. I5 me geven of his. ,e I am comeii in
)'it cace.

102 THE AWNTYRS OF ARTHURE.

XII.

Qwene was I 'whilome, wele1 bryghtere of browes,
Tban Beryke2, or Brangwayne, the3 byrdis so balde ;
Of any gamnes, or gudis4, bat one tbe6 grownde growes,
Wele6 grettere ban7 Gayno", of garfomes8, & of9 golde,
Of 'pales, of powndis, of parkes10, of plewes,
Of townnes, of towris, of trefoures" vn-tolde,

Of contres, of caftelis12, of cragges, of clewes ;

'And nowe am I cachede13 owte of "kytfie, in14 carys so colde !

In15 care am I cachede16, and cowchede in claye ;

Loo17 ! curtayfe knyghte, 1

How 'bat dede'8 hafe me dyghte ; — Of Gayeno" the gaye." —

Nowe gyfTe me anes'" a syghte, '

XIII.

'Nowe to1 Gayend" be gaye Sir Gaweayne es gane,

And to bat* body 'hafe he3 broghte 'that birde ben fo4 bryghte : 145

" Welecome, Wayno" !" 'fcho fays, " bu" worthye in wane !

Loo ! howe bat6 dulefurr dede7 hafe thi dame dyghte.

I was reddere in8 rode ban rofe in be rayne ;

My lyre als" the lely, 'lufely to syghte10,

And" nowe 'I am a grifely1'2 gafte, and 'grymly granes", uo

W Lucefere, in a lake, lawe ame I lyghte.

XII. — ' fome wile. 4 Berell'. 3 pes. 4 al gamen, or gle. 5 Om. 6 Om. ' fen

Dame. 8 garfon. s Om. 10 palaies, of parkes, of pondes. " trefo'. [i Of cas-

telles, of contreyes. ls Now ame I caujt. H kide, to. 15 Into. '6 caught.
17 Lo ! fir. 16 delfulle detil. I9 Lete me onys haue.

XIII. — ' After. 2 }>e. 5 he her. 4 and to ]>e burde. 5 i-wis. 6 Om. ' detfi.
s of. 9 as. 10 lonched on hight. " Om. '- am I a gracelos. u grifly I groii.

THE AWNTYRS OF ARTHURE. 103

Thus am I lyke to Lucefere, takis witnes14 by mee ;

For att 30ure15 frefche fauoure, 1

'Nowe moyfe one this16 mirroure, — J Thus satt 3e bee.

For bothe17 kynge and empoure, — '

XIV.

And' thus dede witt $ow dighte, "takis witneffe by me4,

And3 there one hertly takis4 hede, whils pt5 pu es6 here ;

When )>ou 'es richely7 arrayede, and 'rydes in a8 rowte,

Hate pan' pete, '& mynd10 one pe pore, for" pu arte of powere ; iso

Beryns, and byrdis, 'are befye1* the a-bowte,

When thi body es bawmede, and broghte appone13 bere,

Thane 'witt pay leue the lyghtely14, pat nowe wift the lowte,

'And thane helpes the'5 no thynge, bot halye prayere.

The prayere of pe'6 pore 'chaffes the from hette'7 ; 1

Of 'bafe pat jellis at thi18 3ate, 1

When 'pu sittis'" in thi sette, 'Some dayntes pou dele2'. -•

With att mirthes at thi'20 mete, '

XV.

With daynteths' one deffe, thi dyetes are dyghte, uo

And thus" in dawngere, and dole, T downe, &3 I duefte;
Nafty4, and nedfutt, and5 nakede one nyghte,
[fol. 156.] pere folowes6 me a ferde of fendis 'futt fett7 ;

" Take truly tent ti$t nowe. ,s ]>i. "> Mufe on my. I7 Om.

XIV. — l Om. - thare you not doute. 3 Om. 4 take. b Om. '' art. 7 art
richeft. * rideft in ]>i. :' Om. '" Om. " Om. '* ]iat ben. IS oii a. H lite wyn
)ie light. la For }>eii he helpes. "> Om. '" mav purchas |>e pes. " that jiou
yeues at }>e. 1S pou art fet. 20 Om. 21 And dayntes on des.

XV. — ■ riche dayntes. - I. 3 in dongon. 4 Naxte. '' Om. e folo. ' of helle.

104 THE AWNTYRS OF ARTHURE.

Thay harle me vnhendely, "and hewys8 me one hyghte ;
In braffe, and in bromstane, I 'burne als9 a bette ;
Was neu9 wroghte in this werlde a wafullere wyghte ;
It were 'tore titt10 any tonge my tourmenttis" to tette !

Bot'2 now witt I of my tourment talke13, or I gaa ;

Thynke hertly on this, 1

Now14 fande to mende of15 thi mys ;-\ Bewarrenovv, "bemywaal"
For16 thou erte warnede, I wyffe, — '

XVI.

" Now1 wo es me, for thi waa!" sayd2 Waynd", " I wyffe,

Bot 'a worde3 wolde I wete, and4 thi witt ware ;

GyfP matyhs, or meffes6, myghte oghte7 mendens thi myffe,

Or any mobytts9 on molde, my myrthis10 ware the mare ;

Or" bedis of bechopis myghte brynge the to blyffe,

Or couentis, in cloyftV2, myghte kele'3 the of care ;

For14 if bou be my modir, grete rn9vette15 it es,

That 'thi burlyche16 body es blakenede'7 fo bare ! —

" I bare the of my body ; whate bote es 'to lye'K ?

'Be that to takenynge1" thou trowe,-

1 brake a folempne a-vowe, 'And py fore dole I drye2'."-'

That none wyfte, bot I &so thowe,-

8 ]>ei harme. s bren as. 10 ful tore. " trment. '* Om. " tel. 14 Om. lj Om.
lfi Om. '? Om.

XVI. — ' Om. ° qd. 3 one Jiing. 4 if. s If auj>er. 6 mas. " Om. 8 mende.
? meble. ,0 merthe. "If. 1S cloiftre. 13 kere. 14 Om. 15 wonder. 16 al pi burly.
" broujt to be. ls hl I layn. 19 By])' tokeii. 20 And no man wift h' but. 21 pat
fopely I fayn. The lines 10, 11, 12 of this stanza in MS. D. stand in ordei-12, 10, 11.

THE AWNTYRS OF ARTHURE. 105

XVII.

" 'Tette me now' fothely, what may 'safe thi sytis2,
And I satt 'garre feke fayntes3, for thi fake ;
Bot 'of thafe4 balefutt beftis, Y one thi body bytys5,
Arte 'blehdis my blode, thi blee es6 foo blake." —
" 'This es it to luffe pamoures, and luftis, and litys7,
That gerfe8 me lyghte and 'lenge so lawe in his9 lake ;
For10 atfe the wTelthe of this" werlde thus'2 a-waye wytis ;
'This werlde es wandrethe, hat wirkis'3 me wTake.

For14 wrake 'it me wirkis, now'5 Waynoure, I wyffe ;

Were thritty trentatts done, 1

'By-twyxeh vndrofie"5 and none, — And broghte 'I to18 blyffe."-
My saule 'were saluede fufr17 fone,-1

XVIII. '

" To blyffe brynge the that2 bame, Y 'dere hafe the boghte5,
That was crucyflede one croyfe, & crownnede w* thorne ; 210

Cryftynnede4, and kryfomede, wl canditts5, and coude,
'Fullede in funftane, full" frely by-forne ;
Mary, 'bat es7 myghty, and8 myldefte of mode,
'That bare bl blyffchede", in Bedleme was borne,

XVII. — ' Say. - ]>e faueii, y-\vys. 3 make fere men to finge. 4 ]>e. 5 is.
" bledis my ble, pi bones arii. ' pat is luf par amo', liftes, and delites. 8 has. '■' laft
loj in a. "' Om. " J>e. '- ]>'. 13 Witn J>e -nilde wermis, J>* worche. '< Om.
'■ pei me worchen. "> By-twene -rader. '' focoured with. "^ to )>e.

XVIII. — ' In the Lincoln MS. this and the two next stanzas, are misplaced, and
appear as the XIX., XX., and XVIII. The peculiar form of the verses, and the au-
thority of MS. D. both confirm the order now adopted. 2 J>e. 3 brought [boghte ?]
pe on rode. 4 As pou was criftened. 5 candel. 6 Folowed in fonteftone on. " |>e
• Om. " Of whom |ie blifful barme [barne].

106 THE AWNTYRS OF ARTHURE.

Gyft'e10 me grace, 'for to" grete 'thy saule wl some gude1", 215

And mene13 the w* meffes14, and matynes15 one morne." —

" To 'mene me16 w* meffes, grete 'menfke nowe" it were ; 1

For hym, y ryfte one the rode, >

Gyife nowe18 fafte of thy gade,- -I 'Whytts fat'-0 fou erte here."-1
To folke fat fayles'51 the fade, —^

XIX.

" Now1 here hertly one* hande, 'I hete the" to halde,

W a melyone of meffes to make 'thy menynge4. —

'Bot one worde," faide dame Wayncf, " nowe wiete y I walde',

Whate greues6 Gode mofte 'of any kyns thynge7 ?" — 225

" Pride, wl 'apparementis, als9 pphetis haue9 tolde,

By-fore y pople 'appertly, in thaire10 p9chynge ;

'The [bowe] is fnft" bittire, fare of be thou balde,

It12 makis beryns 'futt balde'3, to breke his byddynge.

'Who fo14 his byddynge brekis, 'bare he es15 of blyffe ; ,

Bot fay be falued of that sare, 1

Certis16, or fay hethyfi fare, Waynoure, I wys." '

Thay mon wiete" of calde18 care, — '

10 Lene. "J)1 I may. 12J>ew*gode. ''' mynge. 1+ matens. ,5 maffes. 16 mende vs.
'" myfter. 18 Om. ,9 fallen. -° While.

XIX. — ' Om. - my. 3 pes heftes. 4 j>e mynyg. b A ! quod Waynor, I wis, yit
weten I wolde. 6 wrathed. " at J>i weting. 6 peappurtenaunce, as. 9 hail. 10 apt
in her. " Hit beres bowes. Instead of the toord inclosed within brackets a blank
space is left in the Lincoln MS. '" pat. 13 fo bly. 14 Bot ho. ls J>ei ben. I6 Om.
7 weten. ls Om.

THE AWNTYRS OF ARTHURE. 107

XX.

" Telle me," fayde1 Way no" '" a worde', jif bou wofte,
"Whate dedis3 myghte me befte 'in to blysche4 biynge ?" —
" Mekeneffe and mercy," Tcho faide5, " 'bo are6 the mofte,
Hafe7 pete one tbe pore, "thane plefys bou owres kynge ;
Sythen "aft9 that, do almous dedis of atte ob9 thyngey;
Thies aren the gud10 gyftis of the holy gofte, 2*

That enfpyres 'atle fpcrites, wl owttyri" fpillynge,
[foi. i.56b.] "For to come to that blyffe, that eu9 more satt lafte'2.

Of "thies fperituale thynges fpyre me'3 na mare ; 1

WhillsH bou arte qwene in thi quarte,-,

Halde thies wordis in thyii15 herte, — Hethyn satt bu fare." '

For16 bou satt lyft'e bot a ftarte ; '

XXI.

" How satt we fare," faide1 the freke, " b* fowndis'2 to fyghte,
'That ofte foudis the folkej, in3 fele kyngis landis;
'That riche rewmes ou9 lynnes, agaynes the4 ryghte, 2.10

'And Wynnes wirchippis, & welthis, by5 wyghtenes of handis ?" —
" — jowre kynge es to couetous, I teti6 the, sir knyghte,
Maye no man 'ftere hy of7 ftrenghe, Vhitts beS whele ftandis ;

XX. — ' Wyffe me, qd. - fom wey. 3 bedis. 4 to pe bliffe. 5 Om. 6 )>es arii.
7 And fipeii haue. 8 fat plefes heuen. '■' charite is chef, and fen is chafte. 10 grace -
ful. " iche fprete, with oute. '- And pen almeffe dede cure al )>ing. In MS. D.
this line is the 6th. ls J>is fpi'al ping fpute pu. 14 Als. li Om. 16 Om.

XXI. — ■ qd. - fondefi. 3 And pus defouleii pe folke, on. -1 And riches ouer
reymes, w' outer! eny. 5 WynneS worfhipp' in werre, porgh. s warne. 7 ftry
him with. 8 while his.

p 2

J

108 THE AWNTYRS OF ARTHURE.

When he es in his magefte 'heghefte, &u mafte 'es of10 myghte.
He satt lighte futt lawe, appone" the see sandis.
[foi. 157.] 'Thus 30ure'" cheualrous kynge13 chefe schatte a14 chawnce, —

'Falfe fortune15 in fyghte,

"That wondirfutt whele-wryghte I6, - Takes 1S witnes by Fraunee.
'Mafe lordis lawe for" to lyghte ; —

XXII.

Fraunee hafe je frely w* 3d" fyghte wonneii ;
The Frolo, and y Farnaghe, es frely by-leuede ' ;
Bretayne, and Burgoyne, "es bothe to 30W bownerr,
And alle the dugepers" of Fraunee w' be4 dyn dreuede".
Gyane may gretyn6, bt7 y werre was by-gounnen ;
"Es noghte a lorde in J>at lande, appori lyfe6 leuede ;
jete sail y riche Romaynes9 w* '30W beii ou9'0 ronnen,
And alle" y Rownde Tabitt J?aire'- rentis be reuede.

Thay satt 3itt be Tybire tymbire 30W 13 tene ;

Gete the, $ Gawayne, 1

Turne }>ouH to Tufkayne, Wl a knyghte16 kene.

For '[lefe] thu fatt15 Bretayne, '

'■' Om. 10inhis. " on. '- And this. u kni)t. u forgh. 15 Falfely fordone. With
a wonderfulT wight. *~ Shall' make lordes. 18 Take.

XXII.—1 Freol, and his folke, fey ar fey leued. 2 al to you bowefi. 3 duffiperes.
4 yor. ' deued. 6 grete. 7 Om. 8 There ar no lordes on lyue, in fat londe.
9 remayns. 10 one be aur. " with. ,2 J>e. ° Thus shal a Tyber vntrue mnber
with. w fe. IS ye shal lefe. In MS. L. a blank space is left for the word lefe.
16 king.

THE AWNTYRS OF ARTHURE. 109

XXIII.

A knyghte satt kenly clofen be ' crowne,

And at Carelyone' be crownede for3 kynge ;

That' lege fatt "be fefede at a fefone5,

That 'mekitt bale, and barete, titt Ynglande" fall brynge ;

Ther7 fatt in Tufkane be tallde of tat3 trefone,

And "torne home a-3ayne for that0 tydynge ;

And1" ther satt the Rownde Tabitte loffe" the renowne, 2so

Be-fyde Rameffaye, futt ryghte '" at a rydynge ;

'And at Dorfett" fatt dy the doghetyefte of atte.

Gette the, f Gawayne, 1

pe baldefte of Bretayne ; 'Swylke ferly" satt fatte ! —

For'4 in a flake tu fatt be flayne, — '

XXIV.

'Siche ferly' fatt falle, w* owtterr any fabitte,

Appone Cornewayle cofte, w1 a knyghte kene ;

Arthure be auenante, b' honefte es & abitt3,

Satt4 be wondid, I wyffe, futt' wathely, I wene ; 290

[And al be rial rowte of be Rounde Table,

pei fliullen dye on a day, be doughty by-dene6 ;]

Suppryfede wl a "sugette, tat beris of7 sabitte,

XXIII. — ' This knight shal be clanly enclofed w' a. - Carlele shal J'at comly.
' as. 4 A. ■ he feche, with a ceffion. c myche baret, and bale, to Bretayn. ' Hit.
s ]>e. ° ye fhullefi fne ayeii for fe. 10 Om. u lefe. '■ rad. " In Dorfet fhire.
14 Om. 15 Sich ferlyes.

XXIV. — ' Suche ferlies. - oute. ' Syr Arthur pe honeft, auenant, and able.
4 He fhal. s Om. '' These two lines are omitted in MS. L. and are supplied from
MS. D. " furget, he beris hit in.

110 THE AWNTYRS OF ARTHURE.

A8 sawtire engrelede, of siluer futt fchene.

He beris [it9] of sabitte, fothely to saye;

[fol.157".] In kyng10 Arthures hautte

The childe " playes hym1* at the bafte
That "satt owttraye13 30W atte,

'Futt deifelv a'4 dave. —J

XXV.

Hafe gud daye, dame1 Gayno™, and Gawayne be gude !
I hafe no langare 'tyme, mo tales to" tette ;
"For me bufe wende one my waye, thorowte this3 wode,
'Vn to my wonnynge wane4, in waa for to wette5.
For hym ]?' 'rewfully rafe, & rente was one6 rude,
Thynke one he dawngere, 'and the dole7, Y I in duette ;
And8 fede folke, for my fake, hat fawtes9 the fude,
And mene10 me w* 'meffes, and matyns" I mette.

[Maffes arn medecyes to vs that bale bides1'2 ;]

Vs thynke a meffe als13 swete,-

J

Als13 any fpyce hat eu9 'bu ete14." The gafte a-waye glydis.

And thus15, w* a grj'fely grete, '

XXVI.

[With a grifly grete, he goofte a-wey glides,

And goes, with gronyng fore, horgh he greues grene1 ;]

8 Witii a. " Supplied from MS. D. w riche. " barne. 12 Om. '3 on-tray shall'.
'•* Delfully )>'.

XXV. — ' Oh). - tome, tidinges. 3 I mote walke on my wey, f>orgh ]>is wilde.
1 In my wonyng ftid. 5 dwelle. 6 rightwifly rofe, & reft on fe, 7 Om. B Om.
"faileii. 10 menge. " matens & mafle. '- Instead of this line from MS. D. the
Lincoln MS. has the last five lines of stanza XVIII. inserted, by negligence of the
scribe. " as. u ye yete. 15 Om.

XXVI. — ' These lines are wanting in MS. L.

THE AWNTYRS OF ARTHURE. Ill

The wynde9, and3 the wedyrs, ban4 welken 'in hydis6 ; 315

Than vnclofede the clowddis, y fohe 'fchane fchene6.

The kynge his bogitt hafe blowen, & on be bent bydis ;

His fayre folke in 'firth es, flokkes in fere7 ;

Alle that royatte* rowte to y qwene rydys,

'And raelis to hir mildely, one baire manere9. 320

The "wyes on fwilke wondirs a-wondirde baire10 were ; 1

'The prynces" prowdefte in patte,-}

Dame Gayno", and atte, To baire13 fopere. ■— '

Wente to 'Randolfe fett hautte1-, — '

XXVII.

The kynge 'was fett to be fupere, &' ferued in fale,
Vndir a seloure of fylke, 'futt daynetyuoufely9 dighte;
Wf atte the3 wirchipe 'to welde, & wyne for to wale4 ;
'Birdis in brede, of brynt golde5 bryghte.
Ther come 'two fetolers inb, w* a fymbale,
A lady, luffome of late7, ledande a knyghte ;
'Scho iydes vp to be heghe defie8, by-fore be royatte9,
And afkede10 f Arthure, futt" hendely one highte.

Scho12 faide to btl3 fou9ayne, wlonkefte in wedis14,

[fol. 158.] " Mane mofte" of myghte, 1

Here 'es corny n ane armed10 knyghte ;H For thi manhede." —
Now17 do hym refone, and ryghte, — '

- wyndes. 3 Om. 4 ]>e. b vnhides. e con fhene. - ]>e frith ]>ei fiokkeii by-dene.

- And al ]ie rialT. 9 She fayes hem ]>e felcou)>es, Jiat }>ai hadde J>er feen. ' wife
of }>e weder for-wondred fey. "Prince. '- Rondoles halle. 13 fe.

XXVII. — ' to fouper is fet. 2 dayntly. ' Om. 4 and wele mewitli )>e walle.
b Briddes brandefi, and brad, I bankers. fi in a foteler. "' lote. 3 Ho raykes vp,
in a res. " rialle. 10 halfed. " Om. »- Ho. " ]>e. 14 wede. 'makeles.
16 comes an eiTant. ° Om.

112 THE AWNTYRS OF ARTHURE.

XXVIII.

The' mane in his2 mantytt 'fyttis at his3 mete,

In 'paulle purede w* pane, futt p9cyoufely dyghte4 ;

Trofelyte, and trauerfte, wyth trewloues in trete5 ;

The 'tafee was6 of topas, J»at "her to was7 tyghte.

He glyfte vpe with hys eghne, hat graye ware, & grete,

With his burely8 berde, one bat birde bryghte ;

He was the sou9aynefte 'fir, sittande9 in sette,

pat eu9 any10 fegge Taughe, or fene was w* fyghte".

'Thus the1" kyng, crowned in kythe, carpis13 hir tilt,

" Welecome, worthy ly wyghte ! 1

Thou14 sari hafe refone, & ryghteH If it be thi witt ?"

Whythen es this15 comly knyghte,-'

XXIX.

Scho1 was the worthiliefte2 wyghte, h* any 'wy myghte welde3 ;

Hir gyde was gloryous, and gaye, 'alle of gyrfe4 grene ;

Hir beite was of plonkete5, with birdis futt baulde,

'Botonede wl befantes6, & bokellede futt bene ; 3*s

Hir faxe in fyfi perrye 'frette was7 in fowlde,

'The cont9felette in a8 kette, colourede futt clene ;

With a crowne 'of cryftatte, and of clere9 golde ;

Hir courchefes were coryoufe, wl many'prowde pyn.

XXVIII. — l Om. - ]>e. 3 pat fittes at)>i. 4 pal pured to pay, prodly pight.
■ This line is omitted in MS. D. ° taffes were. " were pereto. 8 beueren. -' of al
fitting. 10 Om. " had fen wl his eje-fight. ls Om. " talkes. 14 He. 13 je.

XXIX. — ' Ho. - worfieft. 3 wede wolde. 4 of a greffe. 5 blunket. 6 Branded
wl brende golde. 7 was fretted. 8 Contrefeled and. 9 craftly, al of clene.

THE AWNTYRS OF ARTHURE. l]3

[Her perre was prayfed, with prife men of might ;10]-
The" hryghte byrdis, and balde,

Had 'note ynoghe '" to by-halde
One 13 bat freely to fawlde,

And one b'hende "knyghte.-

XXX.

That' knyghte in his coloures was armede futt clene,

With his comly crefte, "furl clene" to by-holde ;

His brenyes3, and his bacenett, burnefchet furl bene,

W a bourdoure4 a-bowte, alle of brynte golde ;

His mayles was5 mylk-whytte, 'enclofede fo clene6;

His horse trappede Vith the fame, als it was7 me taulde.

The8 schelde one his schuldir, of syluere full9 fchene,

With 'bare-heuedis of blake, burely, and10 baulde ;

His horfe "withe sendale was teldede, and" trappede to be hele;-|

And his1* cheuarone by-forne, 1

Stode als13 ane vnycorne,

Als so14 fcharpe als any15 thorne,

'And mayles '6 of ftele.

XXXI.

In ftele "was he' ftuffede, bat 'fteryfi was one5 ftede,
Atte of fternys of golde, 'bat ftekillede was one ftraye3 ;
[foi.i58b.] "He, and his gambefouns, glomede als gledys4, 38o

10 This line is wanting in MS. L. " Om. l- i-nore (sic.) 13 Of. I4 fe.

XXX. — ' The. 2 clere. 3 brene. 4 braudure. 5 were. 6 many hit seen. 7 of
that ilke, as true me. 8 His. B fo. 10 bere-hedes of brake, browed ful. ' ' in fyne
fandel was. '- in his. u as. M Om. 15 a. 16 An aulas.

XXXI. — ' he was. e ftourne vppon. 3 his pencelT difplaied. * His gloues, his
gamefons, glowed as a glede.

Q

114 THE AWNTYRS OF ARTHURE.

With graynes of "rubyes, that graythede were5 gaye ;
And his fchene 'fchynbawdes, fcharpe for6 to fchrede :
[His polenv9 with pelicoc9 were poudred to pay'.]
pus8 wl a lance appon9 lofte, pat lady gun he11 lede ;
A swayne12, one a frefone, "folowede hyra13, in faye14 ;

[The frefon15 was a-fered, for drede of pat fare ;]

"He was feldom wounte 16

Tutt feldom to see19.-

To see the tabitte at his frounte " ;-
'Swilke gafnmenes was he wonte'" -

XXXII.

Arthure afkede 'in hye, one-herande )?am' atte,
" Whate woldeft hu, wy, ?if it were2 thi witte?
Telle me whate fcu fekis, and 'whedir p* pu3 fcharle,
And why pn ftonyes4 on thi ftede, and5 ftondis so ftitte?"
He lyfte6 vpe his Vefage fro pe? ventalte,
And8 w* a knyghtly contenance he carpis hy till :
" Be0 pu kayfere, or kynge, here I the be-catte,
[foi.i58b.] To'0 fynde me a freke, to fyghte one" my fiti ;

For12 fyghtynge to frayfte, I fowndede fra hame."

The kynge carpede on heghte", -
" 'Lyghte, & lende14 atte nyghte,-
If thou be curtayfe knyghte 15, —

And telle me thi name." —

5 rebe, that graied ben. 6 fchynbandes, fat fharp wer'. ' This line, and line 9 of
this stanza, are wanting in MS. L. 8 Om. 9 on. 10 louely coii. " freke. l3 him
folowed. H This and the preceding line are transposed in MS. L. ' ' freke. 16 For
he was felden wonte to fe. " The tablet flure. '■ Siche gamen ne gle. 19 Sa)
he neuer are.

XXXII. — ' on hijt, herand hem. ! be. 3 whefer ];ou. 4 fturne. 5 Om. 6 wayned.
7 vifer fro his. 8 Om. ° Wheper. 10 Fore to. " with. '- Om. " Then feid the king
A*ppon hight. 14 Late lenge. '' This and the previous line are transposed in MS. D.

THE AWNTYRS OF ARTHURE. 115

XXXIII.

" My name es $ Galleroun, w' owttyil any gyle ;

The grettefte of Galowaye, of greves & 'of gyllis1,

Of Konynge2, 'of Carryke3, of Conygame, 'of Kytle4,

Of Lomonde, of Lenay5, of Lowthyane hillis ;

Thou hafe wonne 'thaym one6 weri'e, wl owttrageoufe7 witt,

And gyrTen }>afhs f Gawayne, and0 J?at myn herte grilles.

[But he flial wring his honde, and warry the wyle10,]

"Or he weldeii my landes, at myn vn-thankes".

By atie pe welthe of this'2 werlde, he satt ham13 neu9 welde, ■

' Whifts I my 14 hede may here ; .

'Bot he1"1 wyn 'pafh one16 werre,

Bothe wtn schelde, & wtl8 fpere, —

Appone " a fair felde ! —

xxxrv.

I win" fighte one a felde, &' J? to 'make I my2 faythe,

With any freke 'one the3 foulde, pat frely es borne ;

To loffe swylke4 a lordchipe, me 'thynke it furl5 laythe,

And 'ilke a leueande lede6 wokle laughe me to fkorne." — 420

" We aren7 here8 in the wode, walkande11 one our wathe ;

We10 hunte at the herdis", w* hundes'% and w* home ;

We 'aren one13 owre gamen, we 'ne hafe no gude14 graythe,

XXXIII. — ' grylles. 2 Connok. 3 Om. 4 and alfo Kyle. 5 Lofex. 6 hem in.
» a wrange. 8 hem to. ° Om. '" This line is omitted in MS. L. " Er he weld
hem, y-wys, agayS myn vmwylles. " pe. 13 hem. u While I J>e. lj But if he.
16 hem in. 17 With a. l» a. " On.

XXXIV. — ' Om. - I make. 3 vppon. 4 lefe fuche. ' wold thenke. 6 fiche
[iche?] lede opofi lyue. ~ ar. 8 Om. 9 went, to walke. 10 To. n hertes. ia houde.
,J ar in. w haue no gome.

Q 2

116 THE AWNTYRS OF ARTHURE.

Bot jitt bu satt be machede by middaye to morne.
And15 for thi I rede the, 'bu rathe rnane,burifte the afrebe16 nyghte."-|
[foi. 159.] Than17 Gawayne, gayefte'8 of aire,-

Ledis hym owte of the hautfe,

'Vn titrlu a paveleone of pautte, '

That prowdely was pyghte.

XXXV.

Pighte was it' prowdely, with purpure and pautte,

'And doffours, and qwefchyns, and bankowres fuit! bryghte;

'W* inn3 was a chapelle, a chambir, 'and ane4 hautte,

A chymneye w' charecole, to 'chawffen bat5 knyghte.

His ftede was fone6 ftabillede, and lede to )>e ftatte,

vAnd haye hendly heuyde in hekkes7 one hyghte.

Sythen 'he braydes8 vp a burde, and clathes gun" cafte ;

'Sanapes, and falers, full10 femly to fyghte,

Preketes", and broketes, and ftandertis by-twene. — —

Than19 thay feruede Y knyghte,

And his worthy13 wyghte,

Wl fuh14 riche daynteths15 dyghte,J

In siluere full'6 fchene.

XXXVI.

In silu9 fa femly 'bay feme bafh1 of the befte,

W vernage, in verrys and cowppys fa" clene ;

And thus 'thafe gleterande gomes, gladdis baire geftis3, m

15 Om. l6 penke reft al. '7 Om. 18 grapeft. 10 Into.

XXXV. — ' Om. ! Birdes branden aboue, in brend gold. 3 Inwitft. 4 a. > chaufe
pe. 6 Om. ' Hay hertly he had, in haches. s pei braide. ° pei. la Sanape, and
faler. "Torches. 12 Thus. >3 worjely. u Om. 15 dayntes. 16 fo.

XXXVI. — ' were ferued. a ful. 3 Sir Gawayfi pe good, glades hor geft.

THE AWNTYRS OF ARTHURE. 117

With riche daynteths4, endorrede, in dyfches by-dene.

When the ryaffe renke was gone to his ryfte,

The kynge in5 to concefie hafe callede his knyghtis so kene ;

Sayfe6, " lukes7 nowe, 'je lordyngs8, oure lofe be noghte loft, «o

Who salt eneont9 with 30116" knyghte, "nowe lukes vs10 bjr-twene."

Thane faide 'f Gawayne, " he safi vs noghte" greue

Here my trouthe'' I30W plyghte'3,-,

I salt'4 feghte with 3one'5 knyghte

In be'6 defence of my ryghte,

My17lord, with"*5owre lefe. "-

XXXVII. '

" I leue wele," quod the kynge, " thi latis are l^t,

But I nolde, for no lordefhipp, fe Ju life lorne."]

" Late gaa," quod £ Gawayne, " Gode ft[ond with he ri3t,]

If he fkape skatheles, [hit were a foule fkorne."]

In the dawynge of be [day, be doughti were digfit ;]

Thaye herde* matyns [and maffe, erly on morne ;]

By that, one Plu[toh land a palais was pi3t,]

Whare neu9 f[reke opon folde had foi^ten biforne.

J?ei fetten liftes by-lyue on be I03 lande ;]

Twa3 sop [pes de mayn]

Was4 b[rought to f Gawayii,]
For [to confort his brayn,

pe king gared comaunde.]-

4 dayntees. 5 Om. e Om. " loke. B lordis. '' ]>e. 10 keftes you. " Gawayii
]>e goode, shal hit not. I2 honde. " hi;t. M woll'. '^ )>e. l6 Om. ,T Om. '■•..

XXXVII. — ' A large portion of this and the commencement of the succeeding stanza
has been torn away in the Lincoln MS. and is here supplied from MS. D. - And
herden. 3 Thre. 4 pei.

118 THE AWNTYRS OF ARTHURE.

XXXVIII.

The [king comaunded Krudely, J>e erles fon of Kent,]
Cur[tayfly in J?is cafe, take kepe to }>e knight.]
[fol.159*.] With riche daynteths1 J?1" day, he dynede in his tente,
"With birdes baken in brede, of brynte golde3 bryghte ;
And4 fythen Vn to dame5 Wayno" fuH" wyefely he wente,
'And lefte with hir in7 warde his worthily wyghte.
'And than thies hathefis full hendely baire horffes hafe8 hent,
'At the lycence of the lorde, pat lordely gun9 lyghte,

'Atte bot thir beryns10, bouldefte of blode.

The kynges chayere was" sette,

'A-bowne on a chaffelett'" ; \ For Gawavne the gvj.de.

And13 many a14 gaylyarde grett,-

XXXIX.

Gawayne and Galleron 'dyghtis baire' ftedis,

ABe of2 glet';ande golde, fuB3 gaye was paire4 gere ;

Twa5 lordes be-lyfe 'to thaire lyftes thaym6 ledis,

With many sergeauntes7 of mace ; it8 was be manere. 485

The 'beryns broches paire9 blonkes, 'to paire fydes10 bledis ;

Aythire freke appon felde hafe 'fichede thaire" fpere ;

Schaftis 'of fchene12 wode bay fcheu'ede13 in fchides ;

XXXVIII. — ' dayntees. - or. 3 After bufkes him in a brene, pat burnefhed was.
4 Om. 5 to. 6 Om. " He laft in here. s After aither in high hor horfes pei.
9 And at pe liftes, on pe lande, lordely don. "' Bothe pes two burnes. " is.

'- Quene on a chacelet. 13 Om. 14 Om.

XXXIX. — ' gurden her. - in. 3 Om. 4 here. 5 pe. 6 horn to lift. " feriant.
3 as. '' burnes broched pe. l0 pat pe fide. " folde has faftned his. '- in fhide.
» fhindre.

THE AWNTYRS OF ARTHURE. 119

So jolyly thofe" gentitt men" juftede one were!
Schaftis thay 'scheu9, in schydes futt16 fchene;-

Sythen", w* brandes futt'8 bryghte,-]

Riche mayles thay righte ; W* Gawayne, one grene.

'Thus enconterde '" the knyghte '

XL.'

Gawayne was graythely* graythede one3 grene,

With griffons4 of golde, engrelede fuB gaye ;

Trayfolede wl trayfoles6, and trewlufFes by-twene ;

One a ftirtande6 ftede he7 ftrykes one ftraye.

[J?at oJ>er in] his turnyge" he talkis with'' tene ; —

[" Whi drawes \>u Jre] one dreghe, & makis 'fwilke delay'0?"

[He fwapped hi yn at pe] fchuldir", w{ a fwerde kene ;

[That greued $ Gawayn, to] his dede ''' day.

[The dyntes of J?at doughty were do]wttous by-dene ;

[Fyfte mayles, and mo,

The fwerde fwapt in two,-
The canel-bone alfo,—

And clef his] fchelde fchene. -

XLL'

[He clef Jjorgh ]>e cantett, J?at couered Ipe knijt,
Thorgh }?e fhinand" fhelde, a fhaftmon, and mare ;

1 ]>es. IS Om. 16 fhindr in fheldes fo. 17 And fipen. 18 Om. " There encontres.

XL. — ' The imperfections in MS. L. in this stanza are supplied from MS. D. as
marked by brackets . 2 gaily. 3 in. 4 his griffons. 5 Trifeled with tranes. 6 ftargand.
7 pat. 8 fnaying. 9 in. 10 fiche deray. " fwyre. 12 dep.

XLI. — ' A leaf in the Lincoln MS. here appears unfortunately to be lost, and the
stanzas from XLI. to XLVI. inclusive, with part of XLVJI. are printed from the
other copy. ■ fhiand MS.

120 THE AWNTYRS OF ARTHURE.

And ben be lady loude lowe vppon hignt,
And Gawayn greches b9w*, & gremed ful fare : —
" I fhal rewarde be bi route, if I con rede rigtit !"
He folowed in on be freke, with a freffft fare ;
porgh blafon, and brene, b' burnefhed wer9 brijt,
With a burlich bronde, thorgh him he bare ;

The bronde was blody, bat burnefhed was bri3t.

Then gloppened bat gay ; ,

Hit was no ferly, in fay ; In ftiropes ftrijt.

pe fturne ftrikf on ftray,

XLII.

Streyte in his fteroppes, ftoutely he ftrikes,
And waynes at £ Wawayn, als he were wode ;
pen his leman on lowde fkirles, and fkrikes1,
When bat burly burne blenket on blode ;
Lordes and ladies of bat laike hkes,
And bonked God fele fithe for Gawayn the gode.
With a fwap of a fwerde, bat fwabel him fwykes,
He ftroke of be ftede hede, ftreite bere he ftode ;
The faire fole fondred, and fel to the grounde. —
Gawayn gloppened in hert,

Of he were hafty and fmert ;
Out of fterops he ftert,

Fro Griffett be goode.

XLIII.

" Griffett," qd Gawayn, " gon is, God wote !
He was be burlokeft blonke, that eu; bote brede !

XLII.—' fkirkes, MS.

THE AWNTYRS OF ARTHURE. 121

By him, bat in Bedeleem was borne, eu9 to ben o" bote,

I fhatt venge be to day, if I con right rede !

Go fecche me my frefon, fairest on fote,

He may ftonde be in I'toure, in as mekle ftede ;

No more for be faire fole then for a riffh rote, 540

But for doel of be dombe beft, bl bus fhuld be dede ;

I mo"ne for no rnontur9, for I may gete mare." —

Als he ftode by his ftede,

pat was so goode at neede,
Ner Gawayn wax wede, —

So fiked he fare.-

XLIV.

Thus wepus for wo, Wowayn be wight,

And wenys him to quyte, bat wonded is fare ;

pat ober dro3 hi on dre3t, for drede of be kni3t,

And boldely broched his blonk, on the bent bare.

pus may bei1 dryve forthe be day, to be derke night ;

The fon was paffed, by bat, mydday and mare ;

With in be liftes be lede lordly don light ;

Touard the burne, with his bronde, he bufked him bare.

To bataile bey bowe, with brondes fo bright;

Shene fheldes wer9 fhred,

Bright brenes by-bled, —
Many doujti were a-dred,

So ferfely bei fight

XLV.

Thus bei feght oh fote, on bat fair9 felde,
As freffh as a lyon, bat fautes be fille ;

XLIV.— ' y>\, MS.

R

122 THE AWNTYRS OF ARTHURE.

Wilele bes wight men, bair9 wepenes bey welde,

# # # * # # # # '

He bronched him yri with his bronde, vnder be brode fhelde,
porgh the waaft of be body, and wonded him die ;
pe fwerde ftent for no ftuf, hit was so wel fteled ;
pat ober ftartis on bak, and ftondis ftofi ftille.

Though he were ftonayed bat ftonde, he strikf ful fare ;

He gurdes to £ Gawayn,

Thorgh ventaile, and pefayh ;

He wanted nojt to be flayfi

pe brede of an bare.-

XLVI.

Hardely ben bes habelefe on helmes bey hewe,
pei beten downe beriles, and bd°dures bright ;
Shildes on fhildres, bl fhene were to fliewe,
Fretted were in fyne golde, bei failen in fight ;
Stones of iral bey ftrenkel, and ftrewe,
Stibe ftapeles of ftele bey ftrike don ftijt ;
Burnes bannen be tyme be bargan was brewe,
The dough ti with dyntes fo delfully were dight.
Then gretes Gayno', wl bothe her9 gray ene ; -
For bo dou3ti bat fi3t,

Were manly mached of might,
With oute refon, or right,

As al men fene.

XLVII.

Thus gretis Gaynor, with bobe her9 gray yene,
For gref of f Gawayn, grifly was wounded ;

XLV. — ' A line is wanting in the MS.

THE AWNTYRS OF ARTHURE. 123

The knight of corage was cruel and kene,
And with a ftele bronde, J»at fturne oft1 ftonded ;
Al jre coft of [the"] knyght he carf downe clene,
porgh fce riche mailes, J?at ronke were, and rounde ;] &w

[fcl. i6o ] "Swylke a touche at tat tyme3 he taughte hym in tene,
He girdede4 -f Galleron growelynge one grownde.

"Galleron full greuoufely granes on pe5 grene ;

And" als wondede als7 he was, ,

'Swyftly vpefi he rafe, W a fwerde fchene10.

And folowde "in fafte on Ids faas9,-'

XLVIII.

Clenly bat crewehe cou9de hy1 on highte,

And w* a cafte2 of be' care, in kautette he ftrykes ;

'Full jerne he wayttis <f Wawayne be4 wighte,

Bot hym lympede j?e werfe, — and bat me wele lykis.

He etyttde with a flynge hafe flayne hym wt5 fleghte ;

The fwerde "fleppis on flante6, & one the mayle flydys7 ;

And f s Gawayne by J>e colere clekis1' the knyghte ; —

Than his lemane 'so lowde fkremes10 and fkrykis.

"Scho grete" one dame12 Gayno", wl 'granes fo13 grytte, —

'Andfaide14, "lady! makles of myghte,-

Hafe now15 mercy one 3one'6 knyghte, -

pat es fo dulefully dyghte,

Giffe it be thi witt."— '

XLVII. — ' oft, MS. 2 This word is not in the MS. J With a teneful touche,
MS. D. 4 gurdes. 5 Grifly on gronde he groned on. 6 Om. ' as. 8 Sone
buredely. 9 faft on his tras. 10 kene.

XLYIII. — ' Om. 2 seas. 3 Om. 4 And waynes at fir Wawyfi, J>c worj>ely.
5 in. 6 fwapped on his fwange. " Hikes. 3 Om. 'J keppes. ° on loft fkrilles.
" Ho gretes. I9 Om. l3 gronyng. " Om. u Om. 10 yondre.

R 2

124 THE AWNTYRS OF ARTHURE.

XLIX.

Than wilfully1 dame Wayne? Vn to2 be kynge went,

Scho3 caught of hir coronaite, & knelyde hy titt ; —

" Als bu erte roye4 ryafte, and6 rechefte of rent,

And I thyn5 wyfe, weddid at myn7 aweii wirl,

^one beryns in 3one batette, p' bledis one jone" bent,

pay are" wery, I wyffe, and wondide full ill ;

Thurgft [her910] fchene fchildis baire1' fchuldirs are fchent ;

[The grones of f Gawayn dos my hert grille.12]

The granes of f Gawayne greuys'3 me futt14 fare;

'Wolde f>u, lufly15 lorde,

'Gare the16 knyghtis accorde,—
It ware erete17 comforde

TiH16 afte b» here19 ware.

'Bot ban hy fpake ' Galleron to Gawayne be gude :
" I wende no2 wy, in this werlde, 'were haluendefie3 fo wyghte.
Here I make the relefe 'in my rentis4, by be rode !
And 'by-fore thiefe ryatte, refynge5 the my ryghte ;
And fythen I6 make the manredeii, wl a mylde mode,
'Als to mane in this medilerthe7 makles of myghte."
[foU60>>.] He talkes to-warde be 'knyghte, one heghte8 bere he ftode,

XLIX.—1 Wifly. - to. 3 Ho. * ioy (sic.) 5 Om. « fi. '• ]>i. 8 pefe bumes
in )>e bataile, fo blede on pe. 9 arn. 10 Omitted in MS. L. "her. x- This line
is wanting in MS. L. :3 greueii. u Om. "• Woldeft Jiou leve. 16 Make pes.
17 a grete. 18 For. ''' per.

L. — ' Then fpak fir. • neuer. ' had befi half. 4 renke. 5 by rial reyfoii
relefe. 6 Om. 7 As man of medlert. s king, on hie.

THE AWNTYRS OF ARTHURE. 125

He' bedde y burely his brande, y burnefchede was bryghte: —

" Of renttis and recbes I make the relefe." 1

Downe 'knelis pat10 knyghte,

And'carpis thies " wordes one highte;-
The kyng ftude vp-ryghte,

And 'comandis y" pefe.-l

LI.

pe kynge "comandis pe ' pefe, and cryes* one highte ;
And Gawayne was gudly, and lefte for his fake ;
And3 pan 'to pe lyftis pe lordis leppis4 full lyghte,
€ 'Owayne fyt3-Vryene, and Arrake, full rathe5;
'Marrake, and Menegafte6, pat mafte were of myghte.
Bathe pafe trauelde 'knyghtes trewly pay taghte7 ;
Vnnethes" myghte 'thofe knyghtes9 ftande vp ryghte ;
'pay were for-bett, & for-blede, paire wedis10 wexe blake,

[Her9 blees were brofed, for beting of brondes. "]

W owtteii more lettynge,

'Was dighte there thiere femblynge'2;- And14 helde vpe pair"' handes.
By-fore pat" comly kynge,

III.

" 'I gyffe to the1, f Gawayne," 'quode pe kynge, "trefoure", and golde,
'Glamorgans landis3, with greuys fo grene ;
pe wirchipe of Wales, 'to welde and to4 wolde,

"And. I0 kneled ]>e. "carped. '- cdmaunded.

LI. — ■' comaunded. a cried. 3 Om. * lordes to liftes )>ey lopen. ' Ewayn fij
Brian, & Arrak fi$ Lake. 6 fir Drurelat, and Moylard. 7 men J>ey truly vp take.
! Vnnetft. ° J)o fturne. 10 What for buffetes and blode, her blees. " This line
is wanting in MS. L. " Di?te was here lajtlynge. ,3 J>e. '« pei. |S her.

LII. — ' Here I gif. - w' gerfoii. 3 Al );e Glamergaii londe. 4 at wil and at.

126 THE AWNTYRS OF ARTHURE.

•With Gryffons caftette5, kirnelde fo6 clene ;

"And Y Hufters Hautie7, to hafe, and to holde,

'Wayfurthe, and Wakfelde, wallede8, I wene ; 655

Twa baronryfe in Burgoyne9, w* burghes fo balde,

That are moted10 abowte, and byggede futt bene.

I satt 'endowe pe als11 a duke, and dub the wl myn" hande, ,

With p'^saughtittw^one'3 gentittknyghte-

That es so hardy and wyghte, A"'1 ff™mtp ^~r llic ln"Hp "

And relefe hym thiH ryghte, —

And graunte hy his lande.'

LI1I.

'"Now, and here I gyffe hy," quod Gawayne1, "w* owttyn ony gyle

Atte Y landes, & pe lythes, fra Lowyke2 to Layre ;

"Commoke, and Carrike3, Conyghame, and Kylle, m

'Als the cheualrous knyghte hafe chalandchede als ayere4 ;

The Lebynge, the Lowpynge, Y Leveaftre lie5,

Bathe6 frythes, and foreftes, Trely and7 faire ;

[Vnder ?or lordefhip to lenge be8 while,

And to be Rounde Table 'to make9 repaire ; «

I fhal refeffhim in felde, I foreftf? fo fair9'0."]

Than" pe kynge, and Y quene,

And atte the doghety by-dene,

Thorow Y greuys so grene, '

To Carlele pay kayre.

• caftelles. 6 ful. ' Eke Vlftur halle. s Wayford, and Waterforde, T Wales.
' Bretayne. 10 arn batailed. " di?t pe. '- Om. 13 fe. l* his.

LIII. — ' Here I gif fir Galeron, qd G. 2 Lauer. 3 Connoke, and Carlele. 4 Ori-
ginally in MS. D. pet if he haf cheualry, and chalange hit for are, but altered by a
second hand to pet if he of cheualry, chalange ham for aif . b pe Lother, ]>e Lemok.
pe Loynak, ]>e Lile. In MS. L. the last word was at first written helle, then He, and
lastly I lee. 6 With. 7 and foffes, s So written by the first hand, but altered to
heren by a second. 9 By the second hand ; the first has only a. I0 The last word was
originally written fare ; hence Pinkerton's text to fare. These lines within brackets are
wanting in MS. L. " Bope.

THE AWNTYRS OF ARTHURE. 127

LIV.

The kyng to Carelele es comen, w' knyghttis fo kene,
'To halde his' Rownde Tabitt, one ryatte arraye ;
'Thofe knyghtes'2, y were3 wondede futt4 wathely, als5 I wene,
[W. i6i.] Surgeons 'sanede thayiii6, fothely to saye.

Bothe 'comforthede thaym than7, the kynge and the qwene ,
Thay ware dubbyde dukes bothe one a daye ;
'And ther f Galleron8 weddid his wyfe, 'bl femly & fchene9,
With gj-ftis, and 'gerfofns, of f Gawayne'0 the gaye.

"And thus thofe hatheits" w* haldis that hende;

And1" when he was faned13, and14 fownde,

pay made 'hyfh fworne to f Gawane i15 y ftownde,-] 'Vn titt"hislyuesende.
And fythen16, a knyghte of fce Tabitte Rownde, -

LV.

'Dame Gayno" garte befyly1 wryte V to y wefte,
To "aire 'man'e of3 relygeous, to rede and to synge ; est*

Priftes with proceffyons4 [to p"y were preft,
W' a mylioii of5] meffis, to make hir6 menyge ;
Dukes, erles, barouns, and7 bechoppes of8 the befte,
Thurghe "aire Yglande scho garte make menynge9.
And thus this ferlyes by-fefte in a10 forefte, ess

Vndir an" holte fo bare'2, at an13 hunttynge ;

LIV. — ' And al ]>e. 2 pe wees. 3 weren. 4 fo. 5 Om. " fone faued. ' con-
fortes J>e knightes. "There he. 9 flonkeft [read wlonkeft], I wene. I0 garfons, fir
GaleroS. " pus J>at hapel in hi}. ,s Om. 13 faued. M Om. " fir Galeroii. "; Om.
"To.

LV. — ' Waynor gared wifely. - Om. H ]>e. 4 proceffioii. i The words within
brackets are omitted in MS. L. s pe. ~ Boke-lered men. s Om. " al Bretayne
befely \>e burde gared rynge. "J pis ferely bifelle in Englond. " a. '- hore. ' ' a.

128 THE AWNTYRS OF ARTHURE.

Swylke14 hunttynge in "holtis sulde noghte ben15 hyde :—

Thus to Y foreftes16 pay fure, .

Steryn" knyghttis 'and fture18 ; This awntir by-tyd.

And 19 in pe tym of Arthure '

This ferly by-felle, futt fothely to fayne,

In Yggillwode forefte, at pe Ternwathelayne1.

Explicit.

14 Suche a. l5 haaft is nojt to be. 16 foreft. " pes fterae. '" in ftore. '" Om.
1 These two lines are not in MS. D.

%\>t mmgJ)tlj» Cale

of
<§olagtos ana (iatoane.

Cije iswtgjjtlp tEale of <§oiagros anti Oiatoane*

IN the tyme of Arthur, as trew men me tald,
The king turnit on ane tyde towart Tufkane,
Hym to feik our J>e fey, that faiklefe vves fald,
The iyre J>at fendis all feill, futhly to fane ;
With banrentis, barouis1, and bernis full bald,
Biggaft of bane and blude, bred in Britane.
Thai walit out werryouris, with wapinnis to wald,
The gay eft gruniys on grund, with geir Ipat my* gane,
Dukis, and digne lordis, douchty and deir ;
Sembillit to his fiimovne,

Renkis of grete renovne, Of gold J?at wes cleir.

Cumly kingis with crovne,

II.

Thus the royale can remove, with his Round Tabill,
Of all riches maift rike, in riall array ,

1 baroms, ed. 1508.
S 2

132 THE KNIGHTLY TALE OF

Wes neuer fundun on fold, but fenjeing or fabill,

Ane farayr floure on ane feild of frefch men, in fay,

Farand on thair ftedis, ftout men and ftabill ;

Mony fterne our the ftreit ftertis on ftray.

Thair baneris fchane with the fone, of filuer and fabill,

And vthir glemyt as gold, and gowlis fo gay ;

Of filuer and faphir fchirly hai fchane ;

Ane fair battell on breid,

Merkit our ane fair meid, Our fellis, in fane.

With fpurris fpedely J?ai fpeid,

III.

The king faris with his folk, our firthis and fellis,

Feill dais or he fand of fiynd or of fyre ;

Bot deip dalis bedene, dovnis and dellis,

Montains and marreffe, with mony rank myre ;

Birkin bewis about, boggis and wellis,

Withoutin bedding of blis, of bern, or of byre ;

Bot torris, and tene wais, teirfull quha tellis.

Tuglit and travalit thus trew men can tyre,

Sa wundir wait wes the way, wit ye but wene ;

And all thair vittalis war gone,

That thay weildit in wone ; p" fuld thair bute ben.

Reffet couth thai find none,

IV.

As thay walkit be the lyde of ane fair well,
Throu }>e fchynyng of the fon ane ciete thai fe,

' Tpl, ed.

GOLAGROS AND GAWANE. 133

With torris and turatis, teirfull to tell,

Bigly batollit about with wallis fa he ;

The yettis war clenely kepit with ane caftell ;

Myght none fang it with force, hot foullis to fle. 45

Than carpit king Arthur, kene and cruell,

" I rede we fend furth ane faynd' to yone ciete,

And afk leif at the lord, yone landis fuld leid,

That Ave myght entir in his toune,

For his hie renoune, For money to meid."

To by vs vittale boune2,

Schir Kay carpit to the king, courtes and cleir,

" Grant me, lord, on yone gait graithly to gay,

And I fall boid-word, but abaid, bring to you heir,

Gif he be freik on the fold your freynd, or your fay." —

" Sen thi will is to wend, wy, now in weir,

Luke that3 wifly thow wirk, Crifte were the fra wa !"

The berne bovnit to the burgh, with ane blith cheir ;

Fand the yettis vnclofit, and thrang in full thra ;

His hors he tyit to ane tre, treuly that tyde ;

Syne hynt to ane hie hall,

That wes aftalit with pall ; And payntit with pride.

Weill wroght wes the wall,

VI.

The fylour deir of the deife dayntely wes dent,
With the doughtyeft in thair dais dyntis couth dele ;

1 fend, ed. - bonne, ed. 3 pot, ed.

134 THE KNIGHTLY TALE OF

Bright letteris of gold blith vnto blent,

Makand mecioune quha maift of manhede couth1 mele ;

He faw nane levand leid vpone loft lent,

Nouthir lord, na lad, leif ye the lele.

The renk raikit in the faill, riale and gent,

p wodir wifly wes wroght, with wourfchip & wele ;

The berne befely and bane blenkit hym about ;

He faw throu ane entre,

Charcole in ane chymne, Birnand full ftout.

Ane bright fyre couth he fe,

VII.

Ane duergh braydit about, befily and bane,

Small birdis on broche2 be ane bright fyre ;

Schir Kay rufchit to the roift, and reft fra the fwane,

Lightly claught3, throu luft, the lym fra the lyre ;

To feid hym of that fyne fude the freik wes full fane ;

Than dynnyt the duergh, in angir4 and yre,

With raris, quhil the rude hall reirdit agane.

With that come girdand, in grief, ane wounder5 grym fire ;

With ftout contenance & fture he ftude thame beforne ;

With vefage lufiy and lang,

Body ftalwart and ftrang, Of berne that wes borne.

That fege wald fit with none wrang,

1 couh, ed. i brothe, ed. ' clanght, ed.

1 augir, ed. i wound, ed.

GOLAGROS AND GAWANE. 135

VIII.

The knyght carpit to fchir Kay, cruel and kene,

" We think thow fedis the vnfair, freik, be my fay !

Suppofe thi birny be bright, as bachiler fuld ben,

Yhit ar thi latis vnluffum, and ladlike, I lay.

Quhy has thow marrit my ma, with maiftri to mene '?

Bot thow mend hym that mys, be Mary, mylde may,

Thow fall rew in thi rufe, wit thow but wen,

Or thou wend of this wane wemeles away !"

Schir Kay wes haifty, and hate, and of ane hie will ;

Spedely to hym fpak,

" Schort amendis will I mak, Traift wele thair till."

Thi fchore compt I noght1 ane caik ;

IX.

Thair vith the grume, in his grief, leit gird to fchir Kay,

Fellit the freke with his filt, flat in the dure ;

He wes fa aftonayt with the ftraik, in ftede quhare he lay

Stok flail as ane ftane, the fterne wes fa fture !

The freik na forthir he faris, bot foundis away ;

The to)>ir drew hym on dreigh, in derne to the dure ;

HyitQ hym hard throu the hall, to his haiknay,

And fped hym on fpedely, on the fpare mure.

The renk reftles he raid to Arthour the king ;

Said, "lord, wendis on your way,

Yone berne nykis yow with nay ; It helpis na thing."

To prife hym forthir to pray,

1 noghr, ed. * Byit, ed.

136 THE KNIGHTLY TALE OF

X.

Than fpak fchir Gawane the gay, gratious and gude,

" Schir, ye knaw that fchir Kay is crabbit of kynde ;

I rede ye mak furth ane man, mekar of mude, 120

That will with fairnes fraift frendfchip to fynd ;

Your folk ar febill and faynt, for fait of thair fude ;

Sum better boid-word to abide, vndir wod lynd." —

" Schir Gawyne, graith ye that gait, for the gude rude !

Is nane' fa bowfum ane berne, brith for to bynd." 125

The heynd knight at his haift held to the tovne ;

The yettis wappit war wyde,

The knyght ca. raithly in ryde ; Quhe he ves lightit" douh.

Reynit his palfray of pryde,

XI.

Schir Gawyne gais furth, the gait, y3 graithit wes gay,

The quhilk that held to the hall, heyndly to fe ;

Than wes the fyre in the faill4, with renkis of array,

And blith birdis hym about, that bright wes of ble.

Wourthy fchir Gawyne went on his way ; 135

Sobirly the fouerane faluft has he, —

" I am fend to your felf, ane charge for to fay,

Fra cumly Arthur, the king, corteffe and fre ;

Quhilk prays for his faik, and your gentrice,

That he might cum this toun till, i«

To by vittale at will, Payand the price."

Alfe deir as fegis will fell,

1 naue, erf. - lighit, erf. 3 \>e, erf. * faill, erf.

GOLAGROS AND GAWANE. 137

XII.

Than faid the fyre of the faill and the fouerane,

" I will na vittale be fauld your fenyeour vntill."

" That is at your avne will," faid wourthy Gawane,

" To mak you lord of your avne, me think it grete fkill."

Than right gudly that grome anfuerit agane,

" Quhy I tell the this taill, tak tent now thair till ;

Pafe on thi purpos, furth to the plane ;

For all the wyis I weUd ar at his avne will,

How to luge, and to leynd, and in my land lent ;

Gif I fauld hym his awin,

It war wrang to be knawin, Baldly on bent.

Than war I wourthy to be drawin,

XIII.

" Thare come ane laithles leid air to this place,
With ane girdili ourgilt, and vthir light gere ;
It kythit be his cognifance ane knight that he wes,
Bot he wes ladlike of laitf , and light of his fere ;
The verray caufe of his come I knew noght the cace,
Bot wondirly wraighly he wroght, and all as of were.
Yit wait I noght quhat he is, be Goddis grete grace !
Bot gif it happin that he be ane knyght of youris here,
Has done my lord to difpleife, that I hym faid ryght,
And his prefence plane,

I fay yow in certane1, As I am trew knight !"

He falbe fet agane,

1 tertane, ed.
T

138 THE KNIGHTLY TALE OF

XIV.

Schir Gavyne gettis his leif, and grathis to his fteid,

And broght to the bauld king boid-word of blis, —

" Weill gretis yow, lord, yone lufty in leid,

And fays hym likis in land your langour to lis ;

All the wyis and1 welth he weildis in theid

Sail halely be at your will, all that is his."

Than he merkit with2 myrth our ane grene meid,

With all the beft, to the burgh, of lordis, I wis ; —

The knight kepit the king, cumly and cleir ;

With lordis and ladyis of eftate,

Met hym furth on the gate, With ane blith3 cheir.

Syne tuke him in at yate,

XV.

He had that heynd to ane hall, hiely on hight,

With dukis, and digne lordis, doughty in deid ; —

" Ye ar welcum, cumly king," faid the kene knyght,

" Ay, quhil you likis and lift, to luge in this leid.

Heir I mak yow of myne maifter of myght,

Of all the wyis and wrelth I weild in this fteid ;

Thair is na ridand roy, be refoun and right,

Sa deir welcum this day, doutles but dreid.

I am your coufin4 of kyn, I mak to yow knawin ;

This kyth and this caftell,

Firth, foreft, and fell, Reffaue as your awin.

Ay, quhill yow likis to duell,

' in, ed. - witht, ed. ' bligh, ed. 4 cousing, ed.

GOLAGROS AND GAWANE. 139

XVI.

" I may refrefch yow with folk, to feght gif you nedis,
With thretty thoufand tald, and traiftfully tight,
Of wife, wourthy, and wight, in thair were wedis,
Baith with birny and brand to ftrenth you ful ftright,
Weill ftuffit in fteill, on thair ftout ftedis."
Than faid king Arthur hyin felf, feymly be fight,
' ' Sic frendfchip I hald fair, that forffis thair dedis ;
Thi kyndnes falbe quyt, as I am trew knight !"
Than thay bufkit to the bynke, beirnis of the beft ;
The king crovnit with gold,
Dukis deir to behold, Gladit his geft.

Allyns the banrent bold,

XVII.

Thair myght feruice be fene, with fegis in faill,

Thoght all felcought war foght, fra the fon to the fee ;

Wynis went within y wane, maift wourthy to vaill,

In coupis of cleir gold, brichteft of blee ;

It war full teir for to tell, treuly in taill,

The feir courffis that war fet, in that femblee ;

The merieft war' menfkit on mete, at the maill,

With menftrahs myrthfully makand thame glee.

Thus thay folaift thame felvin, futhly to fay,

Al thay four dais to end ; —

The king thankit the heynd, And went on his way.

Syne tuke his leve for to wend,

1 wai, ed.
T 2

140 THE KNIGHTLY TALE OF

XVIII.

Thus refrefchit he his folk, in grete fufioun,
With outin wanting in waill, waftell, or wyne ;
Thai turffit vp tentis, and turnit of toun,
The roy with his Round Tabill, richeft of ryne.
Thay drive on the da deir, be dalis & doun,
And of the nobilleft be-name, noumerit of nyne ;
Quhen it drew to ]?e dirk nycht, and pe day yeid doun,
Thai plantit doun pauillonis, proudly fra thine.
Thus iournait gentilly thyr cheualroule knichtis,
Ithandly ilk day,

Throu mony fer contray, Holtis and hillis.

Our the mountains gay,

XIX.

Thai paffit in thare pilgramage, fe proudeft in pall,

The prince provit in prefe, that prife wes and deir ;

Syne war fcai war of ane wane, wrocht with ane wal,

Reirdit on ane riche roche, befide ane riveir,

With doubill dykis be-dene drawin our all ;

Micht nane J^ame note with invy, nor ny* Jmme to neir.

The land wes likand in large, and1 lufium to call ;

Propir fchene fchane ]>e fon, feymly and feir.

The king ftude vefiand he wall, maift vailyeand to fe ;

On ]>at river he faw,

Cumly towris to knaw ; Thretty and thre.

The roy rekinnit on raw,

1 aud, ed.

GOLAGROS AND GAWANE. 141

XX.

Apone pat riche river, randonit full evin,

The fide-wallis war fet, fad to ye fee ;

Scippis faland pame by, fexty and fevyn, ..-h,

To fend, quhen fame felf lift, in feir cuntre ;

That al rai that ar wrocht vndir pe hie hevin,

Micht nocht warne tame, at wil to ifche, nor entre.

Than carpit pe cumly king, with ane lowd ftevin,

" Yone is pe feymliaft ficht, pat euer couth I fe. 2ss

Gif pair be ony keyne knycht, hat can tell it,

Quha is lord of yone land,

Lufty and likand, Fayne wald I wit." -,60

Or quham of is he haldand,

XXI.

Than fchir Spynagrofe with fpeche fpak to ye king, —

" Yone lord1 haldis of nane leid, that yone land aw,

But euer-lefting but legiance, to his leving,

As his eldaris has done, enduring his daw."

" Hevinly god !" faid the heynd, " how happynis this thing? 265

Herd thair euer ony fage fa felcouth ane faw !

Sal neuer myne hart be in faill, na in liking,

Bot gif I loiffing my life, or be laid law,

Be the pilgramage compleit I pas for faull prow,

Bot dede be my deftenyng, m

He fall at my agane cumyng, I mak myne avow !"

Mak homage and obliffing,

1 lordis, ed.

142 THE KNIGHTLY TALE OF

XXII.

" A ! lord, fparis of fie fpeche, quhill ye fpeir more,

For abandonit will he noght be, to berne tbat is borne ;

Or he be ftrenyeit with ftrenth, yone fterae for to fchore,

Mony ledis falbe loiffit, and liffis forlorne.

Spekis na fucceudry, for Criftis fone deir !

Yone knicht to fear wu fkaitht, ye chaip nocht but fcorne.

It is full fair for to be fallow and feir

To the2 beft that has bene brevit3 you beforne ;

The myghty king of Maffidone, wourthieft but wene,

Thair gat he nane homage,

For all his hie parage, Nor neuer none fene.

Of lord of yone lynage,

XXIII.

" The wy that wendis for to were, quhen he wenys beft,

All his will in this warld, with welthis, I wys,

Yit fall be4 licht as leif of the lynd left,

That welterf doun with the wynd, fa wauerand it is ; —

Your mycht and your maiefte mefure, but mys."

" In faith," faid the cumly king, " trou5 ye full traift,

My hecht fall haldin be, for baill or for blis ;

Sail neuer my likame be laid vnlaiffit to fleip,

Quhill I haue gart yone berne bow,

As I haue maid myne auow, Ful wraithly fal weip !"

Or ellis mony wedou,

1 wj>\ ed. - thee, ed. 3 beevit, ed. 4 he, ed. throu, erf.

GOLAGROS AND GAWANE. 143

XXIV.

Thair wes na man that durft mel to the king,

Quhan' thai faw that mighty fa mouit in his mynde ;

The roy rial raid, withoutin refting,

And focht to the ciete of Crifte, our the fait flude.

With mekil honour in erd he maid his offering,

Syne bufkit hame the famyne way, that he before yude ;

Thayr wes na fpurris2 to fpair, fpedely thai fpring;

Thai brochit blonkis3 to thair fidis brift of rede blude.

Thus the roy and his rout, reftles thai raid,

Ithandly ilk day,

Our the mountains gay4 ; Withoutin mare abaid.

To Rome tuke the reddy way,

XXV.

Thai plantit doun ane pailyeoun, vpone ane plane lee,

Of pall and of pillour that proudly wes picht ;

With rapis of rede gold, riale to fee,

And grete enfenyes of the famyne, femly by ficht ;

Bordouris about, that bricht war of ble,

Betin with brint gold, burely and bricht ;

Frenyeis of fyne filk, fretit ful fre,

With deir dyamonthis bedene, y dayntely wes dicht.

The king cumly in kith, couerit with croune,

Callit knichtis fa kene,

Dukis douchty bedene, — How beft is to done."

" I rede we caft ws betuene,

1 Quhy, ed. - fpeirris, ed. ' bloukis, ed. 4 pay, ed.

144 THE KNIGHTLY TALE OF

XXVI.

Than fpak ane vight weriour, wourthy and wife,

" I rede ane fayndis-man ye fend to yone fenyeour,

Of the proudeft in pall, and haldin of prife,

Wife, vailyeing, and moift of valour.

Gif yone douchty in deid wil do your deuife,

Be boune at your bidding, in burgh and in bour,

Reffaue him reuerendly, as refoun in lyis ;

And gif he nykis you with nay, yow worthis on neid,

For to affege yone cartel,

With cant men and cruel, Euer quhill ye fpeid."

Durandly for to duel,

XXVII.

Than fhir Gauane the gay, grete of degre,

And fhir Lancelot de Lake, without lefing,

And auenand fchir Ewin, thai ordanit that thre.

To the fchore chiftane chargit fra the kyng.

Spynagros than fpekis ; faid, " lordingis, in le,

I rede ye tent treuly to my teching ;

For I knaw yone bauld berne better than ye,

His land, and his lordfchip, and his leuing.

And ye ar thre in this thede, thriuand oft in thrang ;

War al your ftrenthis in ane,

In his grippis and ye gane, Yone fterne is fa ftrang.

He wald ourcum vow ilk ane,

GOLAGROS AND GAWANE. 145

XXVIII.

And he is maid on mold meik as ane child, at

Blith and boufum that berne, as byrd in hir hour ;

Fayr of fell, and of face, as flour vnfild,

Wondir italuart, and ftrang, to ftriue in ane ftour.

Thairfore meikly with mouth mel to that myld,

And mak him na manance, hot al mefoure ; a

Thus with trety ye caft yon trew vndre tyld,

And faynd his frendfchip to fang, with fyne fauour.

It hynderis neuer for to be heyndly of fpeche ;

He is ane lord riale,

Ane' feymly fouerane in fale, Throu all this varld reche.

Ane wourthy wy for to wale,

XXIX

" Thi counfale is convenabill, kynd, and courtefe,

Forthi ws Ukis thi lair liftin and leir." —

Thai wyis, wourthy in weid, wend on thair ways, 3

And caryis to the caftell, cumly and cleir ;

Sent ane faynd to the fouerane lone, and hym fais,

Thre knichtis fra court cum thay weir.

Than the ledis belife the lokkis vnlaiffis ;

On fute frefchly thai frekis foundis, but feir ; s

The renkis raithly can raik in to the round hald ;

Thair met thame at the entre,

Ladys likand to fe, That blith war and bald.

Thretty knichtis and thre,

'■ Has, ed
U

146 THE KNIGHTLY TALE OF

XXX.

Thai war courtes, & couth, thair knyghthed to kyth,

Athir vthir wele gret, in gretly degre ;

Thai bowit to the bernys, that bright war and blith,

Fair in armys to fang, of figure fa fre ;

Syne thay fought to the chalmer, fwiftly and fwith,

The gait to the grete lord femely to fe ;

And faluft the fouerane fone, in ane fith,

Courtefly inclinand, and kneland on kne.

Ane blithar wes neuer borne, of bane nor of blude ;

All thre in certane,

Saluft the fouerane, Hatles, but hude.

And he inclynand agane,

XXXI.

Than fchir Gawayne the gay, gude and gracius,

That euer wes beildit in blis, and bounte embrafit ;

Joly, and gentill, and full cheuailrus,

That neuer poynt of his prife wes fundin defafit ;

Egir, and ertand, and ryght anterus,

Illuininat vith lawte, and with lufe lafit,

Melis of the meffage to fchir Golagrus ;

Before the riale on raw the renk wes noght rafit ;

With ane clene contenance, cumly to knaw,

Said, " our fouerane Arthour

Gretis the with honour, His meffage to fchaw.

Has maid ws thre as mediatour,

GOLAGROS AND GAWANE. 147

XXXII.

He is the rialleft roy, reuerend, and rike,

Of all the rentaris to ryme, or rekin on raw ;

Thare is na leid on life of lordschip hym like,

Na nane fa doughty of deid, induring his daw ;

Mony burgh, mony hour, mony big bike,

Mony kynrik to his clame, cumly to knaw ;

Maneris full menfkfull, with mony deip dike ;

Selcouth war the fevint part to fay at faw1.

Thare anerdis to our nobill, to note, quhen hym nedis,

Tuelf crovnit kingis in feir,

With all thair ftrang poweir, Worthy in wedis.

And mony wight weryer,

XXXIII.

It has bene tauld hym with tong, trow ye full traift,

Your dedis, your dignite, and your doughtynes ;

Brevit throu bounte for ane of the beft,

That now is namyt neir, of all nobilnes,

Sa wyde quhare wourfcip walkis be weft ;

Our feymly fouerane hym felf, forfuth, will noght cele,

Quhill he haue frely fangit your frendfchip to feft ;

Gif pament, or praier, mught mak that purchefe,

For na largefe my lord noght wil he neuer let,

Na for na riches to rigne ;

I mak you na lefing, Your grant for to get."

It war his maift yarnyng,

1 faw, ed.

u 2

148 THE KNIGHTLY TALE OF

XXXIV.

Than faid the fyre of the fail, with fad fembland,

" I thank your gracious grete lord, and his gude wil ;

Had neuer leid of this land, that had bene leuand,

Maid ony feute before, freik, to fulfil,

I fuld fickirly myfelf be confentand,

And feik to your fouerane, feymly on fyll.

Sen hail our doughty elderis has bene endurand,

Thriuandly in this thede, unchargit as thril,

If I, for obeifance or boift, to bondage me bynde,

I war wourthy to be,

Hingit heigh on ane tre, To waif with ]>e wind.

That ilk creature might fe,

XXXV.

Bot fauand my fenyeoury fra fubiectioun,

And my lordfcip vn-lamyt, withoutin legiance,

All that I can to yone king, cumly with croun,

I fall preif all my pane, to do hym plefance ;

Baith with body and beild, bowfum and boun,

Hym to menfk on mold, withoutin manance.

Bot nowthir for his fenyeoury, nor for his fummoun,

Na for dreid of na dede, na for na diftance,

I will noght bow me ane bak, for berne that is borne ;

Quhill 1 may my wit wald,

I think my fredome to hald, Has done me beforne.

As my eldaris of aid

GOLAGROS AND GAWANE. 149

XXXVI.

Thai lufly ledis at that lord thair leuis has Iaught ;

Bounit to the bauld king, and boidword him broght.

Than thai ichupe for to affege fegis vnfaught,

Ay the manlyeft on mold, that maift of myght moght ;

Thair wes reftling, and reling, but reft that raught,

Mony fege our the fey to the cite focht ;

Schipmen our the ftreme thai ftithil full ftraught,

With alkin wappyns, I wys, y wes for were wroght.

Thai bend bowis of bras, braithly within ;

Pellokis paifand to pafe,

Gapand gunny s of brafe, That maid ful gret dyn.

Grundin ganyeis thair wafe,

XXXVII.

Thair wes blauing of bemys, braging, and beir ;

Bretyuit doune braid wod, maid bewis full bair ;

Wrightis welterand doune treis, wit ye but weir,

Ordanit hurdys ful hie, in holtis fa haire,

For to greif thair gomys, grameft that wer ;

To gar the gayeft on grand' grayne vndir geir.

Thus thai fchupe for ane fait, ilk fege feir ;

Ilka fouerane his enfenye fhewin has thair ;

Ferly fayr wes the feild, flekerit and faw

With gold, and goulis in greyne,

Schynand fcheirly & fcheyne; In fcheildis thai fchaw2.

The fone, as criftall fa cleyne,

■ gruud, ed. - fchair, ed.

150 THE KNIGHTLY TALE OF

XXXVIII.

Be it wes mydmorne and mare, merkit on the day,

Schir Golagros mery men, menfkful of myght,

In greis and garatouris, grathit full gay,

Seuyne fcore of fcheildis thai fchew at ane ficht ;

Ane helme fet to ilk fcheild, fiker of affay,

With fel lans1 on loft, lemand ful light ;

Thus flourit thai the fore front, thair fays to fray,

The frekis, that war fundin ferfe, and forify in fight.

Ilk knyght his cunyfance kithit full cleir ;

Thair names wrictin all thare,

Quhat berne that it bare, Might wit quhat he weir.

That ilk freke quhare he fare,

XXXIX.

" Yone is the warlieft wane," faid the wife king,

" That euer I vift in my walk, in all this warld wyde ;

And the ftraiteft of ftuf, with richefe to ring,

With vnabafit bernys bergane to abide ;

May nane do thame na deir with vndoyng,

Yone houfe is fa huge hie, fra harme thame to hide.

Yit fal I mak thame vnrufe, foroutin refting,

And reve thame thair rentis, with routis full ride,

Thoght I fuld fynd thame new notis for this ix yeir ;

And in his avne prefence,

Heir fall I mak refidence, With ftrenth me to fteir !"

Bot he with force2 mak defence,

1 laus, erf, * forte, erf.

GOLAGROS AND GAWANE. 151

XL.

" Quhat nedis," faid Spinagrus, " lie notis to nevin

Or ony tennis be turnit, I tell you treuly ?

For thair is fegis in yone failT wil fet vpone fevin,

Or thay be wrangit, I wis, I warne you ilk wy ;

Nane hardiar of hertis vndir the hevin,

Or thay be dantit with dreid, erar will thai de ;

And thai with men vpone mold be niachit full evin,

Thai falbe fundin right ferfe, and full of cheualrie.

Schir, ye ar in youi' maiefte, your mayne, & your myght,

Yit within thir dais thre,

The ficker2 futh fall ye fe, And how thai dar fight."

Quhat kin men that thai be,

XL1.

As the reuerend roy wes reknand vpone raw,

With the rout of the Round Tabill, that wes richeft,

The king crounit with gold, cumly to knaw,

With reuerend baronis, and beirnis of the beft,

He hard ane bugill blaft brym, and ane loud blaw,

As the feymly fone filit to the reft. —

Agane gais to ane garet, glifnand3 to fchaw,

Turnit to ane hie toure, that tight wes full treft ;

Ane helme of hard fteill in hand has he hynt,

Ane fcheld wroght all of weir,

Semyt wele vpone feir ; And furth his wais wynt.

He grippit to ane grete fpeir,

' faill, eel. « filker, ed, 3 glifnand, ed.

152 THE KNIGHTLY TALE OF

XLII.

" Quhat fignifyis yone fchene fcheild ?" faid the fenyeour,

" The lufly helme, and the lance, all ar away,

The brym blaft that he blew, with ane ftevin ftour?"

Tha laid fir Spynagrus with fpeche, " the futh1 fall I fay.

Yone is ane freik in his forte, and frefch in his flour,

To fe that his fchire weid be ficker of affay ;

He thinkis provefe to preve, for his paramour,

And prik in your prefence, to purchefe his pray.

Forthi makis furth ane man, to mach hym in feild,

That knawin is for cruel,

Doughty dyntis to dell, With fchaft and with fcheild."

That for the maiftry dar mell,

XLIII

Than wes the king wondir glaid, & callit Gaudifeir ;

Quhilum in Britane that heme had baronyis braid ;

And he gudly furth gais, and graithit hif geir,

And bufkit hym to battell, without mair abaid ;

That wy walit, I vis, all wedis of veir,

That nedit hym to note, gif he nane had.

Bery broune wes the blonk, burely and braid,

Wpone the mold, quhare thai met, before the myd-day ;

With lufly lancis and lang,

Ane faire feild can thai fang, Baith blanchart & bay.

On ftedis ftalwart and ftrang,

1 fuch, ed.

GOLAGROS AND GAWANE. I o-i

XLIV.

Gaudifeir and Galiot, in glemand fteil wedis,

As glauis glowand on gleid, grymly thai ride ;

Wondir fternly thai fteir on thair ftent ftedis,

Athir berne fra his blonk borne wes that tide.

Thai rufchit vp rudly, quha fa right redis ;

Out with fuerdis thai fwang fra thair fchalk fide ;

Thair with wraithly thai wirk, thai wourthy in vedif,

Hewit on the hard iteil, and hurt thame in the hide.

Sa wondir frefchly thai frekis frufchit in feir,

Throw all the harnes thai hade,

Baith birny and breift-plade, Wit ye but weir.

Thairin wappynis couth wade,

XLV.

Thus thai faught vpone fold, with ane fel fair,

Quhill athir berne in that breth bokit in blude ;

Thus thai niellit on mold, ane myle way and mane,

Wraithly wroht, as thei war witlefe and wode ;

Baith thai fegis, forfuth, fadly and fair,

Thoght thai war aftonait, in y ftour ftithly thai ftude.

The feght fa felly thai fang, with ane frefch fair,

Quhil Gaudifeir and GaUot baith to grund yhude ;

Gaudifeir gat vp agane, throu Goddis grete mightis ;

Abone him wichtely he wan,

With y craft' that he can ; pe king and his knightis.

Thai louit God and fanct An,

ift, ed.
X

154 THE KNIGHTLY TALE OF

XLVI.

Than wes Galiot the gome hynt in till ane hald ;

Golagrus grew in greif, grymly in hart,

And callit fchir Rigal of Rone, ane renk that wes bald, —

" Quhill this querrell be quyt, I cover neuer in quert !

With waiht wapnis of were, evin on yone wald,

On ane fterand fteid, that fternly will ftert,

I pray the, for my faik, that it be deir fald ;

Was neuer fa vnfound fet to my hert !"

That gome gudly furth gays, and graithit his gere ;

Blew ane blaft of ane home,

As wes the maner beforne ; Away with his fpere.

Scheld and helm has he borne.

XLVII.

The king crovnit with gold this cumpas wele knew,

And callit fchir Rannald1, cruell and kene, —

" Gif ony preffis to this place, for proves to perfew,

Schaip the evin to the fchalk, in thi fchroud2 fchene."

The deir dight him3 to the deid, be the day dew ;

His birny, and liis bafnet, burnift full bene;

Baith his horfe, and his geir, wes of ane hale hew,

With4 gold and goulis fa gay graithit in grene ;

Ane fchene fcheild, & ane fchaft, that fcharply was fched ;

Thre ber-hedis he bah-,

As his eldaris did air, Of his blude bled.

Quhilk beirnis in Britane wair,

1 Raunald, erf. - l'chroud, erf. ' hun, erf. ' wich, erf.

GOLAGROS AND GAWANE. 155

XLVIII.

Quhen the day can daw, deirly on hight,

And the fone in the fky wes fchynyng fo fchir,

Fra the caftell thair come cariand ane knight,

Clofit in clene fteill, vpone ane courfyr.

Schir Rannald to his riche fteid raikit full riht ' ,

Lightly2 lap he on loft, that lufly of lyre ;

Athir laught has thair lance, that lemyt fo light,

On twa ftedis thai ftraid, with ane fterne fchiere.

Togiddir frefchly thai frekis frufchit, in fay ;

Thair fperis in fplendris fprent,

On fcheldis fchonkit & fchent, In feild fir away.

Euin our thair hedis went,

XLIX.

Thai lufly ledis belife lightit on the land,

And laught out fuerdis, lufly and lang ;

Thair ftedis ftakkerit in pe ftour, and ftude ftumerad,

Al to-ftiffillit and ftonayt, the ftrakis war fa ftrang !

Athir berne braithly bet with ane bright brand ;

On fute frefchly thai frekis feghtin thai fang ;

Thai hewit on hard fteil, hartly with hand,

Quhil the fpahs, and the fparkis, fpedely out fprang.

Schir Rannald raught to te renk ane rout wes vnryde ;

Clenely in the collair,

Fifty mailyeis & mair, Ane wound fcl wes wyde.

Euin of the fchuldir he fchair,

1 rihht, erf. - lighly, erf.

x 2

156 THE KNIGHTLY TALE

Thus thai faucht on fute, on the fair feild ;

The blude famyt thame fra, on feild quhare thai foud ;

All the hernys on the bent about that beheild,

For pure forow of that fight thai fighit vnfound ;

Schire teris fchot fra fchalkis, fchene vndir fcheild',

Quhen thai foundrit ane fel fey to the grund ;

Baith thair hartis can brift, braithly but beild,

Thair wes na ftaluart vnftonait, fo fterne wes pe ftoud !

Schir Rannaldis body wes broght to the bright tent ;

Syne to the cartel oi" ftone,

Thai had fchir Regal of Rone ; Away with him wet.

With mekil murnyng and mone,

LI.

Thus endit the auynantis, with mekil honour,

Yit has men thame in mynd, for thair manhede ;

Thair bodeis wes beryit baith in ane hour ;

Set fegis for thair faullis to fyng and to reid.

Tha Gologrus graithit of his me, in glimand2 armour, —

Ane fchir Louys the lele, ane lord of that leid ;

Ane vthir heght Edmond, that prouit paramour ;

The thrid heght fchir Bantellas, the batal to leid ;

The ferd wes ane weryour, worthy and wight,

His name wes fchir Sanguel,

Cumly and cruel ; Foundis to the feght.

Thir four, treuly to tell,

1 fcheid, ed. i glifnand, ed.

60LAGROS AND GAWANE. 157

LII.

Schir Lyonel to fcliir Louys wes leuit, with ane lance ;

Schir Ewin to fchir1 Edniond, athir ful euin ;

Schir Bedwar to fchir Bantellas, to enfchew his chance,

That haith war neinmyt in neid, nohil to neuin ;

To fchir Sangwel foght gude Gyromalance. —

Thus thai mellit, and met, with ane ftout fteuin,

Thir lufly ledis on the land, without legiance ;

With feymely fcheildis* to fchew, thai fet vpone feuin,

Thir cumly knightis to kyth ane cruel courfe maid.

The frekis felloune in feir,

Wondir ftoutly can fteir, Rudly thai raid.

With geir grundin ful cleir,

LIU.

Tha thair hors vith thair hochis fie harmis couth hint,

As trafit in vnquart quakand thai ftand ;

The frekis frefchly thai fure, as fyre out of flynt,

Thair lufly lancis thai loiffit, and lichtit on the land ;

Right ftyth, ftuffit in fteill, thai ftotit na ftynt,

Bot bufkit to battaille, with birny and brand ;

Thair riche birnys thai bet derfly with dynt,

Hewis doun in grete haift, hartly with hand ;

Thai mighty men vpon mold ane riale courfe maid,

Quhill clowis of clene maill,

Hoppit out as the haill ; Sa bauldly thai baid !

Thai beirnys in the bataill,

fhir, erf. - fcheidis, erf.

158 THE KNIGHTLY TALE OF

LIV.

Thai bet on fa bryimly, thai beirnys on the bent,

Briftis birneis with brandis, burnift full bene ;

Throu thair fchene fcheildis thair fchuld9is var fchent,

Fra fchalkis fchot fchire blude, our fcheildis fo fchene ;

Ryngis of rank fteill rattillit, and rent,

Gomys grifly on the grund granis1 on the grene.

The roy ramyt for reuth2, richift of rent3,

For cair4 of his knightis, cruel and kene,

Sa wondir frefchly thair force thai freft on the feildis !

Sa huge wes the melle,

Wes nane fa futell couth fe, Bot God that al weildis.

Quhilk gome fuld gouern the gre 5,

LV.

The wyis wroght vthir grete wandreth and weuch,

Wirkand woundis full wyde, with wapnis of were ;

Helmys of hard fteill thai hatterit, and heuch,

In that hailfing thai hynt grete harmys & here ;

All to-turnit thair entyre, traiftly and tewch,

Burnift bladis of fteill throw birneis they bere ;

Schort fuerdis of fcheith fmertly thay dreuch,

Athir freik to his fallow, with fellonne affere ;

Throw platis of polift fteill thair poyntis can pale, —

All thus thai threw in that thrang,

Stalvart6 ftrakf , and ftrang ; Thai doughtyis on dafe.

With daggaris derfly thay dang,

1 grams, erf. - renth, erf. 3 reut, erf.

4 thair, erf. b gee, erf. 6 Scalvart, erf.

GOLAGROS AND GAWANE. 159

LVI.

Schir Lyonell fchir Lowes laught has in hand,

And fefit is Sangwell with Giromalans' the gude ;

Schir Evin has fchir Edmond laid on the land,

Braithly bartynit with baill, bullerand in blude ;

Schir Bedwar to fchir Bantellas yaldis vp his brand,

In that ftalwart ftour, thay ftyth men in ftude.

Wes nane forffy on fold, that wes feghtand,

Wnniaglit and marrit, myghtles in mude ;

Wes nane fa proud of his part, that prifit quhen he yeid ;

Bedwer and Lyonell

War led to the caftell ; To Arthour thay led.

The cumly knight Sangwell,

LVII.

Schir Edmond loiffit has his life, and laid is full law" ;

Schir Evin hurtis has hynt, hidwife and fair ;

Knightis caryis to the corfe, wes cumly to knaw,

And had hym to the caftell, with mekill hard cair ;

Thai did to that doughty as the dede aw.

Wthir four of the folk foundis to the fair,

That wes dight to the dede, be the day can daw ;

Than faid bernys bald, brym as bair, —

" We fal evin that is od, or end in the pane !"

Thai ftuffit helmys in hy,

Breift-plait and birny ; All geir that3 myght gane.

Thay renkis maid reddy,

1 Giromalaus, ed. - lav, ed. tbat, cd.

1G0 THE KNIGHTLY TALE OF

LVIII.

Schir Agalus, fchir Ewmond, honelt and habill,
Schir Mychin, fchir Meligor, men of grete eftait ;
Than ftertis out ane fterne knyght, ftalwart and ftabill,
Ane berne that heght fchir Hew, hardy and hait.
Now ' wil I rekkin the renkis of the Round Tabill,
That has traiftly thame tight, to governe that gait ;
Furth faris the folk, but fenyeing or fabill,
That bemyt war be the lord, luffum of lait ;
Schir Cador of Comwel, cumly and cleir,
Schir Owales, fchir Ivvell,

Schir Myreot, mighty emell ; Foundis in feir.

Thir four, treuly to tell,

LIX.

Thair wes na trety of treux, trow ye full traift,

Quhe thai myghty can mach, on mold quhair thai met ;

Thai brochit blonkis to thair fydis out of blude braift,

Thair lufly lancis thai loiffit, and lightit, but let ;

Sadillis thai temyt tyt, thir trew men and traift,

Braidit out brandis, on birnys thai bet ;

As fyre that fleis fra the flynt, thay fechtin fa faft,

With vegeand wapnis of were throu wedis thai wet.

It war teirfull to tell treuly the tend

Of thair ftrife fa ftrang2,

The feght fo fellely thai fang ; Yit laght3 it ane end.

poght it leftit neuer fo lang,

1 Nov, ed. •' ftcang, ed. :i laght, ed.

GOLAGROS AND GAWANE. 161

LX.

Schir Oviles, fchir Iwill, in hanclis war hynt,

And to the lurly caftcll war led in ane lyng ;

Tliair with the ftalwartis in ftour can ftotin, and ftynt ;

And baith fchir Agalus, & fchir Hew, wes led to the kyng.

Than fchir Golografe, for greif, his gray ene brynt,

Wod wraith as ' the wynd his handis can wryng ;

Yit makis he mery magry, quhafa mynt, —

Said, " I fal bargane abyde, & ane end bryng ;

To niorne, fickirly, my felf fall feik to the feild."

He bufkit to ane barfray,

Twa final bellis rang thay ; Wes fchene vndir fcheild.

Than feyrnly Arthur can fay,

LXI.

" Quhat fignifyis yone rynging?" faid the ryale ;

Than faid Spynagros, with fpeche, " fchir, fenf peir2,

That fall I tell yow with tong, treuly in taill ;

The wy y weildis yone wane, I warn you but weir,

He thinkis his aune felf fhall do for his dail ;

Is nane fa prouit in3 this part of pyth is his peir.

Yow worthis wifly to wirk, ane wy for to wail,

That fal duchtely his deid do with yone deir ;

He is J>e forfieft freik, be fortoune his freynd,

That I wait leuand this day."

Than fchir Gawine J)c gay J)* he myght forth weynd.

Prayt for he iournay,

1 ad, ed. ■ l'en fpeir. ed. ' is, ed.

162 THE KNIGHTLY TALE OF

LXII.

The king grantit y gait to fchir Gawane,

And prayt to te grete God, to grant him his grace,

Him to faue, and to falf, J>* is our fouerane,

As he is makar of man, and alkyn myght haife.

Than fchir Spynagros, y freik, wox ferly vnfane ;

Murnyt for fchir Gawyne, and mekil mayne maiie ;

And faid, " for his faik, y faiklefe wes flane,

Tak nocht yone keye knight to countir, in this hard cais.

Is nane fa ftalwart in ftour, with ftoutnes to ftand ;

Of al y langis to the king,

The mair is my murnyng, Hynt vpone hand.

Ye fuld this fell fechting,

LXIII.

Sen ye ar fa wourfchipfull, and wourthy in were,
Demyt with the derreft, maift doughty in deid ;
Yone berne in the battale wil ye noght forbere,
For al \e mobil on the mold, merkit to meid." —
" Gif I de doughtely, the les is my dere,
Thoght he1 war Sampfone himfelf, fa me Crifte reid !
I forfaik noght to feght, for al his grete feir,
I do the weill for to wit, doutlefe but dreid."
Than faid fchir Spynagrofe, " fen ye will of neid
Be bovn to the battale,

Wirkis with counfale, And do it in deid.

It fall right gret avale,

1 the, ed.

GOLAGROS AND GAWANE. 163

LXIV.

Quhen ye mach hym on mold, merk to hym evin ;
And bere ye your bright lance in myddis his fcheild ;
Male that courfe cruel, for Cryftis lufe of hevin !
And i\ ne wirk as I wife, your vappins to weild.
Be he ftonayt, yone fterne, ftout beis his ftevin ;
He wourdis brym as ane bair, that bydis na beild ;
Noy you noght at his note, that nobill is to nevin,
Suppofe his dyntis be deip dentit in your fcheild.
Tak na haift vpone had, quhat happunys may hynt,
Bot lat the riche man rage,

And fecht in his curage, Syne deie ye your dynt.

To fwyng with luerd quhil he fuage ;

LXV.

Quhen he is ftufht, thair ftrike, and hald hym on fteir,

Sa fal ye ltonay yone ftowt, fuppofe he be ftrang ;

Thus may ye lippin on the lake, throu lair h* I leir ;

Bot gif ye wirk as wife, you worthis that wrang."

The king and his knihtis, cumly and cleir,

In armour dewly hym dight, be the day fprang ;

Thau wes fchir Kay wondir wo, wit ye but weir,

In defalt of ane freik, the feghting to fang.

That gome gudely furth gais, and graithit his geir ;

Evin to the cafteil he raid,

Huvit in ane dern flaid ; Anairmit of weir.

Sa come ane knight as he baid,

164 THE KNIGHTLY TALE OF

LXVI.

That knight bufkit to fchir Kay, one ane fteid broune,

Braiffit in birneis and bafnet, full bene ;

He cryis his enfenye, and conteris hym full foune,

And maid ane courfe curagioufe, cruell and kene ;

Thair lufly lancis thai loiffit, and lightit baith doune,

And girdit out fuerdis, on the grund grene,

And hewit on hard fteill, hartlie but houne ;

Rude reknyng raife thai' renkis betuene.

Thair mailyeis with melle thay merkit in the medis ;

The blude of thair bodeis

Throw breift-plait & birneis, Our ran thair riche vedis.

As roife ragit on rile,

LXVII.

Thus thai taught vpone fute, without fenyeing ;

The fparkis flaw in the feild, as fyre out of flynt ;

Thai lufly ledis in lyke, thai layid on in ane ling ;

Delis thair full doughtely mony derf dynt ;

Dufchand on deir wedis, dourly thai dyng ;

Hidwife hurtis, and huge, haiftely thai hynt.

That knight carpit to fchir Kay, of difcomforting, —

" Of this ftonay, and ftour, I rede that ye ftynt.

I will yeild the my brand, fen na better may bene ;

Quhair that fortoune will faill,

Thair may na befynes availl." — That clofit wes clene.

He braidit vp his ventaill,

1 thair, ed.

GOLAGROS AND GAWANE. I(j.">

LXVIII.

For to relfaue the brand the berne wes full blith,

For he wes byrfit, and beft, and braithly bledand ;

poght he wes myghtles, his mercy can he thair myth,

And wald y he nane harm hynt, with hart, & with had.

Thai caryit baith to the kynge', cumly to kyth ;

Thair lancis war loiffit, and left on the land.

Than faid he loud vpone loft, " lord, will ye lyth,

Ye fall nane torfeir betyde, I tak vpone hand ;

Na mylliking haue in hart, nor haue ye na dout ;

Oft in romanis I reid,

Airly fporne late fpeid." — The knight that wes ftout.

The king to the pailyeoun gart leid

LXIX.

Thai hynt of his harneie, to helyn his wound ;

Lechis war noght to lait, with fawis fa fie.

With that mony frefch freik can to the feild found,

With Gologras in his geir, grete of degre ;

Armyt in rede gold, and rubeis fa round,

With mony riche relikis, riale to fe ;

Thair wes on Gologras, quhair he glaid on the ground,

Frenyeis of fine filk, fratit full fre.

Apone fterand ftedis, trappit to the heill,

Sexty fchalkis full fchene,

Cled in armour fa clene, All ftuffit in fteill.

No wy wantit, I wene,

1 kynde, ed.

166 THE KNIGHTLY TALE OF

LXX.

That berne raid on ane blonk, of ane ble quhite, s

Blyndit all with bright gold, and beriallis bright ;

To tell of his deir weid war doutles delite,

And alfe ter for to tell the travalis war tight.

His name, & his nobillay, wes noght for to nyte ;

Thair wes na hathill fa heich, be half ane rate hicht ; »

He lanfit out our ane land, and drew noght ane lyte,

Quhair he raid fraftyn his force, and fangin his fight.

Be that fchir Gawyne the gay wes graithit in his gere ;

Cunnnyng on the ta fyde,

Hovand battale to abyde, With fchelde, and with fpere.

All reddy farayne to ryde,

LXXI.

Thir iufly ledis on the land left be j?ame allane,

Tuke nowthir fremyt nor freyndis, bot found thahi fra ;

Twa rynnyng renkis raith the riolyfe has tane, 9:

Ilk freik to his feir to freftin his fa.

Thai gird one tva grete horfe, on grund q'hil thai grane ;

The trew helmys, and traift, in tathis thai ta ;

The rochis reirdit vith the rafch, quhe thai famyne ran ;

Thair fperis in the feild in flendris gart ga. u

The ftedis ftakerit in the ftour, for ftreking on ftray ;

The bernys bowit abak,

Sa woundir rude wes the rak, Couth na leid fay ! 1:

Quhilk that happynnit the lak,

(iOLAGROS AND GAWANK. 167

LXXII.

Thai brayd fra thair blonkis, befely and bane,

Syne laught out fuerdis, lang and lufly ;

And hewit on hard fteill, wondir hawtane,

Baith war thai haldin of hartis heynd and hardy.

Gologras grew in greif at fchir Gawane ;

On the bight of the hard fteill he hyt hyni, in hy ;

Pertly put with his pith at his pefane,

And fulyeit of the fyne maill ma' fan fyfty.

The knight ftakrit with the ftraik, all ftonayt in ftoud ;

Sa woundir fcharply he lchair,

The berne that the brand bair ; Can to his faa found.

Schir Gawyne, with ane fell fair,

LXXII 1

With ane bitand brand, burly and braid,

Quhilk oft in battale had bene his bute, and his belde,

He leit gird to the grome, with greif that he had,

And claif throw the cantell of the clene fchelde ;

Throw birny, and breift-plait, and bordour, it baid ;

The fulye of the fyne gold fell in the feild.

The rede blude with the rout folowit the blaid,

For all the wedis, I wife, that the wy weild,

Throw clafpis of clene gold, and clowis fa cleir ;

Thair with fchir Gologras the fyre,

In mekill angir and ire, Leit fie to his feir

Alfe ferfe as the fyre,

1 may, ad.

168 THE KNIGHTLY TALE OF

LXXIV.

Sic dintis he delt to that doughty,

Leit hym deftanyt to danger, and dreid ;

Thus wes he handillit full hait, that hawtane, in hy,

The fcheld in countir he keft our his cleir weid ;

He wit on hard fteill, woundir haiftely ;

Gart beryallis hop of the hathill, about hym on breid.

Than the king vnto Crifte keft vp ane cry,

Said, " Lord, as thow life lent to levand in leid,

As thow formit all frute, to fofter our fude,

Grant me confort this day,

As thow art God verray!" — For Gawyne the gude.

Thus prais the king in affray,

LXXV.

Golagras at Gawyne in fie ane grief grew,

As lyoune, for fait of fude, faught on the fold ;

With baith his hadis in haift that haltane couth hew ;

Gart ftanys hop of the hathill, that haltane war hold ;

Birny and breift-plait, bright for to fchew ;

Mony mailye and plait war marrit on the mold.

Knichtis ramyt for reuth, fchir Gawyne thai rew,

p' doughty delit with hym fa, for dout he war defold ;

Sa wondir fcharply he fchare throu his fchene fchroud ;

His fcheild he chopit hym fra,

In tuenty pecis and ma ; Witlefe and woud.

Schir Wawane writhit for wa,

(iOLAGROS AND GAWANE. 109

LXXVI.

Thus wourthit fchir Gawyne wraith, and wepand,
And ftraik to that Item knight, but ftynt ;
All engreuit the grome, with ane bright brand,
And delt thainvith doughtely mony derf dynt ;
Throw byrny, and breiftplait, bordour, and band,
He leit fle to the freke, as fyre out of flynt ;
He hewit on with grete haift, hartly with hand ;
Hakkit throw the hard weid, to the hede hynt ;
Throw the ftuf with the ftraik, ftapalis and ftanis,
Schir Wawine, wourthy in wail,
Half ane fpan at ane fpail, He hewit attanis !

Quhare his harnes wes hail.

LXXVH.

Thus raithly the riche berne raflit his array ;

The tothir ftertis ane bak, the fterne that wes ftout ;

Hit fchir Gawayne on j?e gere, quhil greuit wes the gay,

Betit doune the bright gold, and beryabis about ;

Scheddit his fchire wedis fcharply away ;

That lufly lappit war on loft, he gart thame law lout.

The fterne ftakrit with the ftraik, and ftertis on ftray ;

Quhill neir his refoune wes tynt, fa rude wes the rout !

The beryallis on the land of bratheris gart light,

Rubeis, and fapheir,

Precious ftanis pf weir ; That dantely wes dight.

Thus drefe thai wedis fa deir,

170 THE KNIGHTLY TALE OF

LXXVIII.

Thai gyrd on fa grymly, in ane grete ire,

Baith fchir Gavine the grome, and Gologras the knight,

The fparkis flew in the feild, as fagottis of fire,

Sa wndir frely thai frekis fangis the fight ;

Thai lufchit and laid on, thai luflyis of lyre.

King Arthur Ihefu befoght, feymly with fight, —

" As thow art fouerane God, lickerly, and fyre,

That1 thow wald warys fra wo Wauane the wight,

And grant the frekis on fold farar to fall,

Baith thair honouris to faif."

At Crift with credece thai craif, And thus pray thay all.

Knight, fquyar, and knaif ;

LXXIX.

Thai mellit on with malice, thay myghtyis in mude,

Mankit throu mailyeis, and maid thame to mer ;

Wraithly wroght, as thai war witlefe and wod,

Be that fchir Wawane, the wy, likit the wer ;

The ble of his bright weid wes bullerand in blude.

Thair with the nobill in neid nyghit hym ner,

Straik hym with ane fteill brad, in ftede quhare he ftude ;

The fcheld in fardellis can fle, in feild away fer ;

The topir hyt hym agane with ane hard fwerd.

As he loutit our ane bra,

His feit founderit hym fra ; Grulingis to erd.

Schir Gologras graithlv can ga

1 At, ed.

GOLAGKOS AND GAWANE. 171

LXXX.

Or euer he gat vp agane, gude fchir Gawane

Grippit to fchir Gologras, on the grund grene ;

Thair of gromys wes glaid, gudly and gane ;

Lovit Crifte of that cafe, with hartis fa clene.

Ane daggar dayntely dight that doughty has drawne ;

Than he carpit to the knight, cruel and kene,

" Gif thou luffis thi life, lelely noght to layne,

Yeld me thi bright brand, burnift fa bene ;

I rede thow wirk as I wife, or war the betide."

The to)?ir anfuerit fchortly,

" Me think farar to dee, Ane fclander to byde.

Than fchamyt be, verralie,

LXXX1.

Wes I neuer yit defoullit, nor fylit in fame,

Nor nane of my eldaris, that euer I hard nevin ;

Bot ilk berne has bene vnbundin with blame,

Ringand in rialte, and reullit thame felf evin.

Sail neuer fege vndir fon fe me with fchame,

Na luke on my lekame with light, nor with levin',

Na nane of the nynt degre haue noy of my name,

I fwere be futhfaft God, that fettis all on fevin !

Bot gif that wourfchip of were win me away,

I trete for na favour,

Do furth thi devoir ; Doutles this day."

Of me gettis thou na more,

1 leme, ed.

z 2

172 THE KNIGHTLY TALE OF

LXXXII.

Lordingis and ladyis in the caftell on loft,

Quhen thai faw thair hege lord laid on the landis,

Mony fweit thing of fware fwownit full oft,

Wyis wourthit for wo to wringin thair handis ;

Wes nowthir folace, nor fang, thair forow to foft,

Ane fayr ftonay and ftour at thair hartis ftandis ;

On Crifte cumly thay cry, " on croce as thou coft,

With thi bliffit blude' to bring ws out of bandis,

Lat neuer our fouerane his caufe with fchame to echeif !

Mary, fareft of face,

Befeik thi lone in this cace, He grant ws to geif !"

Ane drop of his grete grace,

LXXXII1.

Thus the ledis on loft in langour war lent ;
The lordis on the tohir fide for liking thay leugh ;
Schir Gawyne tretit the knight to turn his entent,
For he wes wondir wa to wirk hym mare wugh.
" Schir, fay for thi fell', thow feis thou art fchent ;
Tt may nocht mend the ane myte to mak it fo teugh.
Rife, and raik to our roy, richeft of rent ;
Thow falbe newit at neid, with nobillay eneuch,
And dukit in our duchery, all the duelling." —
" Than war I woundir vnwis,

To purchefe promt for pris, All my leuing.

Quhare fchame ay euer lyis,

' hlutle, rd.

GOLAGROS AND GAWANE. 173

LXXXIV.

pe fege y fchrenkf for na fchame, fe fchent might hy fched,

That mare luffis his life than lois vpone erd ;

Sal neuer freik on fold, fremmyt nor freynde,

Gar me lurk for ane luke, lawit nor lerd ;

For quhala with wourfchip fall of this warld wende,

Thair wil nane wyis, that ar wis, wary the werd.

For ony trety may tyde, I tell the the teynd,

I wil noght turn niyn entent, for all this warld brerd,

Or I pair of pris ane penny-worth in this place,

For befandis, or beryell ;

I knaw myne avne quarrell, To dee in this cace !"

I dreid not the pereill,

LXXXV

Schir Gawyne rewit the renk, j>* wes riale,

And laid to be reuerend, riche, and rightuis,

" How may I fuccour be found, femely in fale,

Before this pepill in plane, and pair noght thy pris?"

" That fall I tel he with tong, trewly in tale,

Wald vow denye \>e in deid to do my deuis ;

Lat it worth at my wil, )>e wourfchip to wale,

As I had wonnyn y of were, wourthy and wis ;

Syne cary to J?e caitel, quhare I haue mailt cure.

Thus may yow faif me fra fyte ;

As I am criftynit perfite, And fauf thyn honoure."

T fall thi kyndes quyte,

174 THE KNIGHTLY TALE OF

LXXXVI.

" That war hard," faid y heynd, " fa haue I gude hele !

Ane wounder peralous poynt, partenyng grete plight,

To foner in thi gentrice, but fignete or fele,

And I before faw y neuer, fickerly, with fight1 ;

To leif in thi laute, and thow war vnlele,

Than had I caff in in cair mony kene knight.

Bot I knaw thou art kene, and alfe cruell ;

Or thow be fulyeit fey, freke, in y fight,

I do me in thi gentrice, be Drightin fa deir !"

He lenyt vp in y place ;

The tohir raithly vpraife ; In feild of his feir !

Gat neuer grome fie2 ane grace,

LXXXVII.

Than thei nobillis at neid yeid to thair note new ;

Frefchly foundis to feght, all fenye, and thair fair ;

Tua fchort fuerdis of fcheth fmertly thai drew,

Than thai mellit on mold, ane myle way3 and mare ;

Wes newhir cafar, nor4 king, thair quentance y knew,

It ferny t be thair contenance y kendillit wes care.

Syne thai traift in y feild, throu trety of trew ;

Put up thair brandis fa braid, burly and bair.

Gologras and Gawyne, gracious and gude,

Yeid to the caftel of ftane,

As he war yoldin & tane ; Sair murnand in mude.

The king precious in pane

1 fight, ed. " fit, ed. 3 wan, ed. * gor, ed.

GOLAGROS AND GAWANE. 175

LXXXVII1.

The roy ramand ful raith, y reuth wes to fe,

And raikit full redles to his riche tent ;

The watter wet his chekis, y fchalkis myght fe,

As all his welthis in warld had bene away went ;

And othir bernys, for barrat, blakynnit thair ble,

Braithly bundin in baill, thair breftis war blent. —

" The flour of knighthede is caught throu his cruelte !

Now is y Round Tabil rebutit, richeft of rent,

Quhen wourfcbipfull Wawane, j?e wit of our were,

Is led to ane prefoune ' ;

Now failveis gude fortoune !" Grat mony fait tere.

The king, cumly with croune,

LXXXIX.

Quhen y Gawyne the gay, grete of degre,

Wes cummyn to Y caftel, cumly and cleir,

Gromys of y garifoune maid gamyn and gle,

And ledis lofit thair lord, lufly of lyere ;

Beirdis beildit in blife, brighteft of ble ;

The tothir knightis maid care, of Arthuris here ; —

Al thus with murnyng and myrth thai maid melle.

Ay, quhil he fegis war let to the fuppere,

The feymly fouerane of y fail marfchel he wes ;

He gart fchir Gawyne vpga,

His wife, his doghter alfua, War fet at Y des.

And of Y mighty na ma,

prefonne, ed.

17b THE KNIGHTLY TALE OF

XC.

He gart at ane fete burd y ftrangearis begin,

The maift feymly ia fale ordanit thame fete ;

Ilk knygbt ane cumly lady, y cleir wes of kyn ;

With kynde contenance the renk couth thame rehete,

Quhen thai war machit at mete, J>e mare and pe myn,

And ay the meryeft on mold marfchalit at mete.

Than faid he lowd vpone loft, the lord of y in,

To al \e beirnys about, of gre y wes grete,

" Lufly ledis in land, lythis me til !"

He ftraik the burd with ane wand,

The quilk he held in hand ; Sa war thai' all ftil.

Thair wes na word muuand,

XCI.

" Heir ye ar gaderit in groffe, al the greteft,

Of gomys that grip has vndir my gouernyng" ;

Of baronis, and burowis, of braid land te beft,

And alfe the meryeft on mold has intrometting.

Cumly knightis, in this cace I mak you requeft,

Freyndfully, but falffet, or any fenyeing,

That ye wald to me, treuly and traift,

Tell your entent, as tuiching this thing

That now hingis on my hart, fa haue I gude hele !

It tuichis myne honour fa neir,

Ye mak me plane anfueir ; I may noght concele.

Thairof I you requeir,

1 thair, ed. goduernyng, ed.

GOLAGROS AND GAWANE. 177

XCII.

Say me ane chois, y tane of thir twa,

Quhethir ye like me lord, laught in the feild,

Or ellis my life at y left lelely forga,

And boune yow to mm berne, y myght be your beild ?"

Tlie wourthy wyis, at y word wox woundir wa,

Tha thai wift thair fouerane wes fchent vnder fcheild ; —

" We wil na fauour here fenye, to frende, na1 to fa;

We like yow ay as our lord, to were, and to weild ;

Your lordfchip we may noght forga, alfe lang as we leif ;

Ye fal be our gouernour,

Quhil your dais may endure, For chance y may cheif."

In eife and honour,

XCIII.

Quhen this auenand and honeft had maid this anfuer,

And had tald thair entent trewly him till,

Than fchir Gologras the gay, in gudly maneir,

Said to thai fegis, femely on fyll,

How wourfchipful Wavane had wonnin him on weir,

To wirk him wandreth or wough, quhilk war his wd ;

How fair him fell in feght, fyne how he couth forbere ; —

" In fight of his fouerane, this did y gentill ;

He has me fauit fra fyte, throw his gentrice,

It war fyn, but recure,

pe knightis honour fuld fmure, Quhilk maift is of p'ce.

That did me this honoure,

1 nar, ed.

2 A

178 THE KNIGHTLY TALE OF

XCIV.

I aught as prynce him to prife, for his prouefe,

That wanyt noght my wourfchip, as he J?1 al wan,

And at his bidding full bane, blith to obeife,

This berne full of bewte, J>* all my baill blan ;

I mak y knawin, and kend, his grete kj^ndnes,

The countirpas to kyth to him, gif I can."

He raikit to fchir Gawine, right in ane race,

Said, " fchir, I knaw be conqueft thou art ane kynd man ;

Quhen my life and my dede wes baith at thi will,

Thy frendfchip frely I fand ;

Now wil I be obeyand, As right is, and fkill.

And make ]>e manrent with hand,

xcv.

Sen fortoune cachis the cours, throu hir quentys ;

I did it noght for nane dreid, Jrl I had to de,

Na for na fauting of hart, na for na fantife ;

Quhare Crifte cachis ]>e cours, it rynnis quently;

May nowthir power, nor pith, put him to prife.

Quha on-fortone quhelmys J?e quheil, thair gais grace by,

Quha may his danger endure, or deftanye difpife,

That led men in langour, ay leftand inly,

The date na langar may endure na Drightin deuinis.

Ilk man may kyth, be his cure,

Baith knyght, king, & empriour, & mater maift mine is.

And mufe in his myrrour,

GOLAGROS AND GAWANE. 179

XCVI.

Hectour, and Alexander, and Julius Cefar,

Dauid, and Jolue, and Judas the gent ;

Sampfone, and Salamon, ]>l wife and wourthy war,

And fl ryngis on erd, richeft of rent ;

Quhen thai met at \>e merk, than might thai na mair,

To fpeid thame our pe fpere-feild enfpringing thai fp'nt ;

Quhen fortune worthis vnfrende, tha failieis welefair,

Thair ma na trefour ourtak, nor twyn hir entent.

All erdly riches, and rufe, is noght in thair garde ;

Quhat menis fortoune be fkill,

Ane gude chance or ane ill ; Is worth his rewarde.

Ilkane be werk, and be will,

XCVII.

Schir Hallolkis, fchir Hewis, heynd and hardy,

Schir Lyonel lufly, and alfe fchir Bedwere,

Schir Wawane \>e wife knight, wicht and wourthy,

Carys furth to J?e king, cumly and clere ;

Alfe my felf fall pafe with yow reddy,

My kyth, and my caftel, compt his conquere."

Thai war arait ful raith, that ryale cumpany,

Of lordis and ladis, luffum to lere ;

With grete hghtis on loft, b' gaif grete leime ;

Sexty torcheis ful bright,

Before fchir Gologras ]?e knyght ; In ony riche reime.

That wes ane femely fyght,

2 a 2

180 THE KNIGHTLY TALE OF

XCVIII.

All effrayt of y fair wes the frefch king ;

Wend the wyis had bene wroght all for the weir ;

Lordis laught thair lands, and went in ane lyng,

And graithit thame to y gait, in thair greif geir.

Spynok fpekis with fpeche, faid, " moue you na thing,

It femys faughtnyng thai feik, I fe be thair feir ;

Yone riche cumis arait in riche robbing,

1 trow this deuore be done, I dout for na deir.

I wait fchir Gawane y gay has grathit this gait ;

Betuix fchir Gologras and he

Gude contenance I fe, Luffum of lait."

And vthir knightis fo fre,

XCIX.

The renk raikit to y roy, with his riche rout,

Sexty fchalkis y fchene, feymly to fchaw ;

Of banrenttis, and baronis, bauld hym about,

In clathis of cleyne gold, cumly to knaw.

To y lordly on loft y lufly can lout,

Before y riale renkis, richeft on raw ;

Saluft y bauld berne, with ane blith wout,

Ane furlenth before his folk, on feildis fo faw.

The king crochit with croune, cumly and cleir,

Tuke him vp by the hand,

With ane fair fembland ; Did to y deir.

Grete honour y auenand

1 p', ed.

GOLAGROS AND GAWANE. 181

^han y feymly be fight laid to y gent,

Wes vailyeand, and verteous, foroutin ony vice,

" Heir am I cumyn at this tyme, to your prefent,

As to J?e wourfchipfulleft in warld, wourthy, and wife ;

Of al y ryngis in erd richeft of rent,

Of pyth, and of proues, peirles of prife.

Heir I mak yow ane grant, with gudly entent,

Ay to your prefence to perfew, with al my feruice ;

Quhare euer ye found or fair, be firth, or be fell,

I fal be reddy at your will,

In alkin refoune' and lkill, Treuly to tell."

As I am haldin thairtill,

CI.

He did the conquerour" to knaw all the caufe quhy,

That all his hathillis in p' heir, hailly on hight ;

How he wes wonnyn3 of wer with Wawane y wy,

And al the fortoune4 y freke befell in y fight ;

The dout, and y danger, he tauld him quently.

Than faid Arthur him feluin, femely by fight,

" This is ane foueranefull thing, be Ihefu ! think I,

To leif in fie perell, and in fa grete plight ;

Had ony preiudice apperit, in y partyce,

It had bene grete perell ;

Bot fen y lawte is led, The mare is thi price. i

That thow my kyndness wil heill,

1 refonne, erf. ' conquer, erf. 3 wounen, erf. 1 fortonne, erf.

182 THE KNIGHTLY TALE OF

CII.

I thank the mekill, fchir knight," faid the ryall,

" It makis me blythar to be than all thi braid landis ;

Or all the renttis fra thyne vnto Ronfiwall,

poght I myght reif thame with right, rath to my hadis."

Than faid the fenyeour in fyth, femely in faill,

" Becaufe of yone bald berne, that broght me of bandis,

All that I haue wndir hewyne, I hald of you haill,

In firth, foreft, and fell, quhare euer that it ftandis.

Se vourfchipfull Wawane has wonnyn to your hadis

The fenyory in gouernyng,

Cumly conquerour, and kyng, As liege lord of ladis.

Heir mak [I] yow obeifing,

cm.

And fyne fewte I yow feft, without fenyeing,

Sa y the caufe may be kend, and knawin throw f kill ;

Blithly bow and obeife to your bidding,

As I am haldin to tell treuly thair till."

Of fchir Gologras grant blith wes the king,

And thoght y fordward wes fair, freyndfchip to fulfil.

Thair fchir Gawane the gay, throu requiring,

Gart y fouerane him felf, femely on faill,

Cary to y cartel, cleirly to be hald,

With all Y wourthy y were,

Erll, duke, and douch-fpere, That blyth war & bald.

Baith banrent and bachilere,

GOLAGROS AND GAWANE. 183

CIV.

Quhen J?1" femely fouerane wes fet in b1' faill,

It wes felcouth to fe the feir feruice ;

Wynis wifly in wane, went full grete waill

Amang the pryncis in place, peirles to price.

It war teir for to tel, treuly in tail,

To ony wy in this warld, wourthy, I wife.

With reualing and reuay all the oulk hale,

Alfo rachis can ryn vndir the wod rife,

On b1' riche riuer of Rone ryot thai maid ;

And fyne, on be nynte day.

The renkis rial of array, With outin mare haid.

Bownyt hame thair way,

CV.

Quhen the ryal roy, maift of renoune,

With al his reuerend rout wes reddy to ryde ;

The king, cumly with kith, wes crochit with croune,

To fchir Gologras te gay, faid gudly b' tyde, —

" Heir mak I the reward, as I haue refoune,

Before thir ' fenyeouris in fight, femely hefide,

As tuiching J?e teporalite, in toure, and in toune,

In firth, foreft, and fell, and woddis fo wide ;

I mak releifching of bin allegiance ;

But dreid I fall be warand,

Baith be fey and be land, With outin diftance."

Fre as I the firft fand,

1 their, erf.

5>etr entits the fentgljtlp Cale of ©olagtos and <£>atrja
ne, m ti)e fontl) gait of CTJtnbutgl), be ©Halter. Cljepman
anti antiroto pillar, tfje tmf. "Dap of ^p'tle, tfje pljere of
®oti, {&.€€€€€. anti out. pjjerfe.

appenbtjr*

No. I.

spre (^abene anti rtje Carle of Carelple,

[MS. Por- T YSTENNYTH, lordyng9, a lyttytt ftonde,

kington, „ o

fol. 12.] 1 -^ Oi on p was fekor and founde,
And doujgty in his dede ;
He was as meke as mayde in bour9,
And J> to ftyfe in eu9y ftour9,
Was non fo doujtty in dede.
Ded9 of arm2, wtt1 out lefe,
Seche he wolde in war & pees,
In mony a ftronge lede ;
Sertaynly wtt outtyfi fabuft,
He was wtt Artt9 at bc Rounde Tabuft,
In romans as we reede.
His name was fyr Gawene,
Moche worfchepe in Brette he wan,
And hardy he was and wyjte ;
The yle of Brettayn i-cleppyde ys,
Betwyfi Skotlond & Ynglonde, I wys,
In ftorry i-wryte a-ryjite.
Wallys ys afi angufi of bl yle,
At Cardyfe foiornde be kynge a whylle,
Wtt mony a gentytt kny^te ;

Sic, for wl or with, passim.

2 B 2

188 SYRE GAWENE AND THE

That wolde to Ynglonde, to honte,

As grete lordys dothe, and be wonte,
[fol. 12b.J Wtt hardy lordys and wygjte.

Kynge Arttor to his lordis gafi faye,

As a lorde ryaft J>4 weft maye,

" Do vs to haue a mafse ;

Byfchope Bavvdewyn fchaft hit don,

The to ]>e forreft woll we goii,

All that evyr9 her9 ys.

For nowe ys grece tyme of J>e ' ^eer9,

That barus bolde fchulde hont ]>e der9,

And reyfe hem of her refte f —

Woder9 glad was fyr Mewreke,

So was Y kny?t fyr Key Catocke,

And o];9 mor9 and lafe.

Glade was Launccelet de Lacke,

So was i Percivatt, I vndor-take,

And Lanfalle, I wene ;

So was fyr9 Eweyn ]>e Vytt yan,

And fyr9 Lot of Laudyafi,

That hardy was & kene.

Syr9 Gaytefer9, and fyr Galerowne,

Syr9 Coftantyfi, and fyr Raynbrowfi,

The kny^t of arm9 grene ;

Syr Gawefi was ftwarde of \e halle,

He was maft of hem aft,

And bufkyde hem be-dene.
[fol. 13.] The kyngs vncull fyr9 Mordrete,

Nobuft knyjtt9 wtt hyni gafi lede,

In romans as men rede ;

Syr9 Yngeles, J>* genttyle knyijte,

Wtt hyni he lede houndys wyg3t,

That well coude do her9 dede.

Syr Le Byus Dyfkontis was J>are,

1 pa, MS.

CARLE OF CARELYLE. 189

Wtt proude men les & mare,
To make ]>e doune der blede ;
Syr Petty-pas of Wynchylfe,
A nobuft knysjt of cheualre,
And ftout was on a ftede.
Syr Grandon, & fyr Ferr9-vnkow)>e,
Meryly they fewyde wtt mouthe,
Wtt houndys ])' wer wy3t ;
Syr Blancheles, and Iron-fyde,
Mony a doughty p* day con ryde,
On hors fayr and ljr3te.
Iroun-fyde, as I wene,
Gat ]>e knyjt of armus grene,
On a lady bryg3t ;
Sertenly, as I wndur -ftonde,
The fayr9 may of Blanche-lofide,
[lo].13b.] In hour9, Y louely wy3~te.
Irofi-fyde, as I wene,
I-armyd he wolde ryde futt clene,
Wer J)e foun nevyr9 fo hoot ' ;
In wyntt he wolde arm9 bere,
Gyantt9 & he wer eu at were,
And aft way at ]:>e de-bate.
Fabele-honde hy3"t ys ftede,
His armys and his odir9 wede,
Fuft fayr and goode hit was ;
Of afur for fothe he bare,
A gryftyh of golde fuft feyr ,
I-fet fuft of golde flourr9.
He coude mor9 of venery & of wer9,
The aft Y kyrig52 ^ ^er ther9,
Fuft oft a-fay hem he wolde ;
Brennynge dragons hade he flayfi,
And wylde bull9 mony won,

1 hate ? - knyjtes ?

190 SYRE GAWENE AND THE

That grefely wer i-holde.

Byge barrons he hade i-bonde,

A hardyer knyjt myjjt not be fonde,

Fuft herdy he was, and bolde ;

Therfor he1 was callyd, as I hard fay,

The kyng9 fellowe, by his day,
[fol. 14.] Wtt worthy knyjtt5 i-tolde.

A lyofi of golde was his crefte,

He fpake reyfofi out of refte,

Lyftyfi, and $e may her ;

Wher eu9 he went, be eft or wefte,

He nold for9-fake man nor9 beft,

To fy^t fer or ner .

Knyjtt5 kene faft they rane,

The kynge followyd wtt mony a ma,

V. C. and moo, I wene ;

Folke followyd wtt fedyrt flofi9,

Nobuil archarr9 for ]>e nons,

To fell Y fallow der9 fo cleyfi.

Barrons gafi her hornn9 blowe,

The der cam reykynge ofi a rowe,

Bothe hert and eke heynde ;

Be that tyme was pryme of ]>e day,

V. C. der9 dede on a lond lay,

Alonge vndur a lynde.

The fyr9 Gawen & fyr9 Key,

And befchope Bavdewyfi, as I yow fay,

Aft9 a rayn-der they rode ;

Frowe J>* tyfh was pryih of ]>e day,
[fol. 14b.] Tyi myde vndur9-nofi, as I yow faye,

Neu9 ftyll hit abode.

A myft gafi ryfe in a mor ,

Barrons blowe her hornis ftore,

Meche mofi fyr Key made ;

» hea, MS.

CARLE OF CARELYLE. 191

The reyne-der9 wolde not dwelle,
Herkon what avet hem befelle,
Herbrow ]>ey wolde fayii haue hade.
The fayde Y gentytt knyjt f Gawefi,
" Aft )>is labur ys in wayne,
For certen trowe hit me ;
The dere ys paffyde out of our9 fyjt,
We mete no mor wtt hy to nyjt,
Hende, herkofi to me.
I reede Y we of our hors a-lyj~t,
And byde in ]»is woode aft nyjt,
And loge vndur ]>is tree ;" —
" Ryde we hens," quod Keye a-non,
" We fchatt haue harbrowe or we gon,
Dar no man wern hit me."
The fayd )>e befchope, " I knowe hit well,
A carle her9 in a caftell,
A lyttyft her ner honde ;
[fol. 15.] The Karl of Carllyft ys his nam,

He may vs herborow, be fent Jame !

As I vndur-ftonde.

Was y nevyr barfi fo bolde,

That eu my3t gayftyn in his holde,

But evyll harbrowe he fonde ;

He fchall be bette, as I harde fay,

And jefe he go wtt lyfe a-way,

Hit wer but godd51 fonde.

Nowe ryde we )>edyr9 aft \\e," —

Ther to fayd Key, " I grant hit Y>

Alfo mot I well far9 !

And as )>u feyft hit fchaft be holde,

Be Y Carle neu fo bolde,

I count hy not worthe an har.

And ^eyf he be neu9 fo ftovte,

We woll hy bette aft a-bowt,

And make his beggynge bar9 ;

192 SYRE GAWENE AND THE

Suche as he brewythe feche fchaft he drenke,

He fchaft be bette )>* he fchaft ftynke,

And a-^enft his wyll be ther .

Syr Gawen fayd, " fo hav I blyfe,

I woll not geyftyn J>9 magreys,
[fol. 15".] Thow I my^t neu9 fo well ;

3efe any fayr word5 may vs gayn,

To make ]>e lorde of vs fuft fayn,

In his oun cafteft.

Key, let be thy boftfuft fare,

Thow goft a-bout to warke care,

I fay, fo haue I helle !

I woft pray ]?e good lorde, as I yow faye,

Of herborow tyll to-morrow daye,

And of met & melle."

On her way faft they rode,

At J>e cafteft-jat )>ey a-bode,

The portt9 callyd |?ey fchulde ;

Ther hynge a homyr by a cheyn,

To knocke ]> at fyr Key toke dayn ',

The homyr9 a-way he wold haue pold.

The portt come wtt a p wey fare,

And hem fonde he ther ,

He axid what they wolde ;

The fayd Gawen curttefly,

" We be-feche ])e lorde of herbory,

The good lorde of ]?is holde."

The portt anfwerd he a-gayn,

" Your9 meffage wold I do fiift fayn,
[fol. 17.] And }e have harme, ]?anke hyt not me ;

Je be fo fayr , lyme and lythe,

And ]>9 to coly, glad per wtt,

That cemely hyt ys to fee.
My lorde can no cortteffye,

1 dedayn ?

CARLE OF CARELYLE. 193

Je fchappyth notte wtl out a wellony,
Truly trow je mee ;
Me rewyth for9 $e came pis waye,
And ar 3c go fo woll 3e fay,
But jefe mor grace be."
" Portt9," fayde Key, " let be thy care,
Thow feft we mey no for)? fare,
Thow jappyft, as I wene ;
But pu woll on our meffage ' gon,
The kyng9 keyis woll we tane,
And draw hem doun c9teyn."
The portt9 fayde, " fo mot I pryfe,
Ther be not pre kny^tt9 a-lyve,
That dorft do hit, I wene;
Wyft my lorde your wordys grete,
Some your9 lyvys je fchold for9-lete,
Or ell9 full faft to-flen."
The portt9 went in to pe halt,
[fol. 17b.] Wtt his lord he mett wtt alt,
That hardy was & bolde ; —
" Carl of Carllhyll, gode loke pc !
At \>e jatt be barun9 )>re,
Semley arm9 to welde.
To knySjtt9 of Art9ys in,
A befchope, & no mor9 men,
Sertayn as they me tolde ;" —
The fayd ]>e Carle, be fent Myghett,
That typing9 lykyth me ryjt well,
Seyth ]>' pis way wolde."
WhS they came be-for9 pat fyr ,
They fond iiij. whelp9 lay about his fyer9
That grefly was for to fee ;
A wyld bole, & a fellon boor
A lyon, ]>l wold bytte for9,

1 mffage, MS.

2 c

194 SYRE GAWENE AND THE

Ther9 of they had grete ferly.

A bege ber lay loufe vn-bounde,

Seche iiij. whelp5 )>9 J>ey foude,

A-bout J>e Carll5 kne ;

They rofe, & came \>e knyj;tts a-gayn,

And fon ]?' wold he haue f leyfi,

The Carle bade he let bee.
[fol. 18.] " Ly doun," he fayd, " my whelpys four9/'

The )>e lyon be-gan to lour9,

And glowyd as a glede ;

The ber to ramy, ]>e boole to groun,

The bor he whett his tofkos fouft,

Faft and ]?at good fpede.

The fayd y Carle, " ly ftyle, hardyn !"

They felt a-doun for9 fer of hyme,

So for pej gan hyme drede ;

For a word ]>e Carle gan fay,

Vnd ]>e tabutt they crepyd a-way,

Ther9 of fyr Key toke hede.

The Carle j>e kny^tt5 can be-holde,

Wtt a ftout vefage & a bolde,

He femyd a dredfutt" mafi ;

Wtt cheks longe, & vefage brade,

Cambur9 nofe, & alt fun" made,

Be-twyne his brow5 a large spane.

Hys mo3th moche, his berd graye,

Ou his breft his lock5 lay,

As brod as anny fane ;

Betwen his fchuldors, whos ryjt ca rede,

He was ij. tayllors jard9 brede, —

Syr Key merweld gretly )»afi.
[fol. I8b.] ix. taylloris jerd5 he was hyjthet,

And \> to legg5 longe and wy^tht,

Or ells wondor9 hit wer ;

Ther was no poft in y halt,

Grettyft growand of hem aft,

CARLE OF CARELYLE. 195

But his |>cys wer9 ]>ycker\
His armB wer9 gret, wtt outyn lefe,
His fyng9is alfo, I wys,
As any lege J>4 we ber9 ;
Whos ftond a ftroke of his honde,
He was not wecke, I vndur9-ftond,
That dar9 I fafly fwer9.
Then fyr9 G. be-gan to cnele,
The Carle fayd he my^t be knyjit wylle,
And bad hyme ftond vpe a-non ;
" Lett be p knellynge, getytt knyjt,
Thow logoft wtt a carft to-nyjt,
I fwer9 by fent John !
For9 her9 no cortteffy j>u fchalt have,
But carll5 cortteffy, fo god me fave !
For9 fertt5 I can nofi ;" —
He bad brynge wyn, in gold fo der9,
A-non hit cam i copps cler9,
As any foufi hit fchofi.
[fol. 19.] iiij. gallons held a cop, and more,
He bad brynge forthe a grettor9, —
" What schatt J?is lytyll cope doufi ?
This to lyttytt a cope for9 me,
Whe I fytt by y fyr9 ofi hy,
By my felf a-loun.
Brynge vs a grett9 bolle of wynn,
Let vs drenke, & play fethyfi,
Tyll we to fopp goun ;"
The butteler9 broujt a cope of golde,
ix. gallons hit gane holde,
And toke hit ]>e Carle a-non.
ix. gallons he hyld, and mare,
He was not weke J)1 hit bare,
In his won honde ;
The knyjitt5 dronkon faft a-bout,
And fethe a-rofe, & went he out,
2 c 2

196 SYRE GAWENE AND THE

To fe her9 hors ftond.

Come and hey ]>l had reydy,

A lyttyll folle ftod hem bye,

Wtt her hors faft ettand ;

The beffchope put J>e fole a-way, —

" Thow fchalt not be fellow wtt ' my palfray,

Whyft I am befchope in londe."
[fo].19t>.] The Carll pe cam wtt a gret fpede,

And afkyde " who hathe don }>is dede ?"

The befchope feyd, " )>* was I •" —

« Ther9 for9 a bofett )>u fchalt have,

I fwer , fo god me fave !

And hit fchatt be fett wytterly."

" I ame a clarke of ordors hyje," —

" 3ett cannyft )>u no^t of cortteffyje,

I fwer9, fo mott I tryue !"

He 3afe \>e beffchope a boffett b°,

That to ]>e ground he gan goo,

In2 fonynge he gann lyje.

Syr Key came in ]>e fam cas,

To fe his ftede J>er he was,

The foil fond he hym by j

Out att \>e dor9 he drof hy out,

And on \>e backe ^afe hy a clovt,

The Carle fe J>* wtt hys y3e.

The Carft 3affe hym feche a boffett,

That fmertly on }>e grond hy fett,

In fonynge gan he ly^e ;

" EuyU tav^t knysjtt5," Y Carl gan fey,

" I fchatt teche J>e or9 ]>u wend a-way,
[fol. 20.] Sum of my cortteffye."

The t>ey a-rofe, and went to hatt,

The befchope, and f Key wtt att,

That worthy was i-wrogjt ;

1 fellowtt, MS. * I, MS.

CARLE OF CARELYLE. 197

Syr Gawe axyd w9 ]>ey had byne,
They feyd, " our9 horffys we have fene,
And vs for9 for9-thoght."
The anffwerd G. futt curttefly,
" Syr9, wtt your9 leyf );e wyll I,"
The Carll knewe his thought ;
Hett reynnyd, & blewe ftorm9 felle,
That well was hy, be bocke & belle,
The herborow hade cavjt.
Wtt out )>* ftabutt dor9 ]>* foil ga ftond,
G. put hyme in a-gayn wtt his honde,
He was att wett, I wene ;
As ];e foil had ftond in rayne,
The keu yd he hym fyr Gawene,
Wtt his matted of grene.
G. ' " ftond vpe food, & eette thy mette,
We fpend her9 J>at thy maft9 dothe gett,
WhyU ]>*■ we her9 byne ;"
The Carle ftode hym faft by,
And }>ankyd hy futt curtteflye,
[fol.20i>.] Manny fythis, I wene.

Be );* tyme her fop was redy dyjt,

The tabull5 w9 hovfe vpe an hyjt,

I-cowert they wer9 futt tyte ;

Forth wtt }>> wolde not blyne,

The beffchope ga |;e tabull begynne,

Wtt a gret de-lytte.

f Key was fett on )»e to)>9 fyde,

A-3enft J)e Card5 wyfe fo futt of pryde,

That was fo feyr9 & whytte ;

Her9 arm5 fmatt, her9 mydyll gent,

Her yjen grey, her9 brow3 bente,

Of curttefly fche was pfette.

Her roode was reede, her9 chek9 rounde,

1 G. fayd ?

198 SYRE GAWENE AND THE

A feyrror my3t not goo on grounde,

Ne lowelyur of fy^te ;

Sche was fo gloryis & foo gay,

I can not rekon her a-raye,

Sche was fo gayly dyjte.

Alas ! thoug'ht Key, ]>u lady fre,

That bu fchuldyft Jms1 i-pefchde be,

Wtt feche a foulle wejtht ! "

" Sytt ftyll," quod y Carl, " & eete y mette,
[fol.21.] Thow binkoft mor9 be y darft fpeke,

Sertten I the hyjt."

I do yow aft well to wette,

Ther was noo ma bade G. fitte,

But in y halle flor9 gan he ftonde ;

The Carle sayde, " fellowe, a-nofi,

Loke my byddynge be well i-donfi,

Go take a fper9 in thy honde.

And at y bottre dor goo take thy paffe,

And liitt me evyn in the face,

Do as I the commande ;

And ^eyfe y ber me a-jenft y watt,

Thow fchalt not hort me wtt alle,

Whyll I am gyaut in londe."

Syr9 Gawen was a glade man wtt y,

At y bottre dor a fper he gatte,

And in his honde hit hente ;

Syr G. came wtt a gret ire,

Doun he helde his hede }>at fyre,

Tyll he hade geue his dentte9.

He jafe y ftoh watt feche a rappe,

That ]>e goode fper9 aft to-brake,

The fyer flewe out of y flente ;
Lfol.21".] The Carl fayde to hym ful fofie,

" Gentytt kny;t, y haft weft donne."

1 ].is, MS. - dette, MS.

CARLE OF CARELYLE. 199

And be \>e honde hyme hente.
A cher9 was fette, for9 f Gawene,
That worthy kny$t of Bryttayne,
Befor9 \>e Carll9 wyfe was he fett ;
So moche his love was on her9 ly$t,
Of alt J)e fop he ne myjt,
Nodyr9 drynke nor ette.
The Carle fayde, " G. comfort ]>e,
For fynn ys fwete, & |>* I fe,
Serten I the hete ;
Sche ys myfi |»u woldyft w9 thynn,
Leve feehe Jwjtt9, & drenke ]>e wynne,
For her9 }>u fchalt nott geytt."
Syr G. was a-fchemyde T his powjt,
The Carll9 dov}tt9 forthe was brovjt,
That was fo feyr and bryjt ;
As gold wyre fchynyde her here,
Hit coft a Mli. and mar9,
Her9 a-parrett pertly pyjte.
Wtt ryche ftonn9 her clo)?9 w9 fett,
Utt ryche peril9 a-bout her9 frete,
[fol. 22.] So femly was that fyjte ;

Ouyr aft J>e haft gafi fche leme,

As hit wer a fon -beme,

That ftonn9 fchone fo bry^t.

Then feyde ]?c Carle to J?* bryjit of ble,

" Uher ys )>' harpe ]>u fchuldift have brojt w* y,

Uhy haft J>u hit for-gette ?"

A-non hit was fett in to ]>e haft,

And a feyr cher wtt aft,

Be-for9 her9 fador was fett.

The harpe was of mafer fyne,

The pynys wer9 of golde, I wene,

Serten wtt out lett ;

Furft fche harpyd, & fethe fonge,

Of love, & of Artorr9 arm9 a-monge,

200 SYRE GAWENE AND THE

How )>ey to-geydor mett.

Uhe they hade fovpyde, & mad hem glade,

The befchope I to his chambur9 was lade,

Utt hym f Key y kene ;

They toke f G. wtt out leffynge,

To y Carl9 chiib )>' ga hy brynge,

That was fo bry^t and fchene.

They bade $ G. go to bede,
[fol.22i>.] Utt clothe of golde fo feyr9 fprede,

That was fo feyr and bry3t ;

Uhe y bed was made wtt wynne,

The Carle bade his oun lady go in,

That loufefom was of fyjte.

A fquyer came wM a p9wey far9,

And he vn-armyde Gawen J>er ,

Schaply he was vn-dyjt ;

The Carle feyde, " fyr Gawene,

Go take my wyfe I ]>' arm5 tweyne,

And kys her in my fy3te."

Syr G. anffwerde hyme a-non,

" Syr, y byddynge fchatt be donne,

Sertaynly in dede ;

Kyft, or fley, or laye a-doune," —

To the bede he went full fone,

Faft and that good fpede.

For foftnis of \>l ladys fyde,

Made G. do his wytt }?' tyde,

Ther of G. toke J>e Carle goode hede ;

Uhe G. wolde haue dofi y- p vey far ,

The feyd y Carle, " whoo ther9 !

That game I J>e for-bede.
[fol.23.] But G. fethe )>u haft do my byddynge,

Som kyndnis I moft fchewe ]?e i any }>inge,

As fer forthe as I maye ;

Thow fchalt have worm to fo bryjt,

Schaft play wtt y alt )?is nyjte,

CARLE OF CARELYLE. 201

Tytt to-morrowe daye."
To his doujtt5 chambiir he went futt ryjt,
And bade her a-ryfe, & go to ]>e kny^t,
And wern hynie nott to playe ;
Sche dorft not a-jenft his byddyng don,
But to G. fche cam tuft fone,
And ftyle doun be hyme laye.
" Now G." q' )»c Carle, " holft )?c well payde ?"
" Je, for gode, lorde," he fayde,
" Ryjt weft as I myjte ;"

" Nowe," q' ]>e Carle, '• I woll to chambur go,
My bleflyng I geyfe yow bouthe to,
And play to-geydor aft pis ny^t."
A glad man was fyr Gawen,
Sertenly as I yowe fayne,
Of pis lady bryjt ;
Serten fothely for to fay,
So I hope was pat feyr maye,
[fol. 23b.] of j,t genttytt knyft.

" Mary, mercy !" poujt pl lady bryjte,

" Her come neu fuche a knyjt,

Of aft that her hathe bene ; — "

Syr Key a-rose vppon pe morrowfi,

And toke his hors, & w-olde a-gofie,

Homwarde, as I wenne.

" Nay, $ Key," pe befchope gafi feye,

" We ' wott not fo wende our9 waye,

Tytt we *" G. have fene ;"

The Cartt a-rofe, ofi morrow a-nofi,

And fond his byddynge reddy doune,

His dyner i-dyjt fuft cleyne.

To a mas they lett knelle,

Syr G. a-rofe, & went per tytt,

And kyft pat lady bryjt & cler ;

1 Ne, MS.
2 D

202 SYRE GAWENE AND THE

" Mare, mce !" feyde y lady bryjjt,

" Uher9 I fchaft fe enny mor9 )?is kny^t,

That hathe ley my body fo ner V

Uhe Y mefe was doune to ende,

Syr9 G. toke his leve to wende,

And }>onkyde hym of his cher ;

" Furft," fayde y Carle, " ?e fchalt dynfi,
[fol.24.] And on my bleffynge wende home fyne,

Homward al yn fere '.

Hit is xx*1. -wynt gon," fayde ]>e Karle, " nowe,

That god I make a-vowe,

Ther9 fore I was fulle fad ;

Ther fchulde neu man logge I my won5,

But he fcholde be flayne, I wys,

But he did as I hym bad.

But he wolde do my byddynge bowne,

He fchulde be flayne, 5 layde a-downe,

Whedir he wer lorde or lad' ;

Fonde I neu9, G. none but the,

Nowe gode of heuyfi yelde hit the,

Ther9 fore I am fulle glade.

He yelde y," fayde y Carle, " y y dere boujte !

For al my bale to blyffe is brou^te,

Throu^e helpe of Mary quene ;"

He lade G. yn to a wilfome won5,

There as lay x. fodir9 of dede men bonys,

Al yn blode, as I wene ;

Ther hynge many a blody ferke,

And eche of heme a dyuers marke,

Grete doole hit was to fee2.
[fol.24b.] « This flowe I, G. and my helpis,

I and alfo my four whelpis,

For fothe as I the fay ;

1 This line is by a second, but coeval hand.

2 fene ?

CARLE OF CARELYLE. 203

Nowe wulle I forfake my wyckyd lawys,

p fchaii no mo men her9 be flawe, I wys,

As fer ' forthe as I may.

G. for the love of the,

Al fchal be welcome to me,

pl comythe her9 by this way ;

And for alle thef'e fowlya I vndirtake,

A chauntery her9 wul I lete make,

x. preftis fyngynge til domys-day."

Be that tyme her9 dyner9 was redy dyjte,

Tables wer9 hovyn9 vp an hyjte,

I-keuerid )>ei were fulle clene ;

Syr G. and ]?s lady dere,

They were i-foyd bothe i-fer9,

Myche myrthe was theme bytwene.

Ther9 fore }>e Carle was full glade,

The byfchop & i Kay he bad,

Mery ^ ]?ei fcholde bene ;

He ;afe J?e bifchop to his bleffynge,

A cros, a myter, & a rynge,

A clothe of golde, I wene ;

He $af f Kay, j>e angery knyght,
[fol. 25.] A blode-rede ftede, and a whight,

Suche on had he neu9 fene.

He 3af ( G. fothe to fay,

His dorter, & a whijte palfray,

A somer i-chargid w* golde ;

Sche was fo gloryous & fo gay,

I kowde not rekyn here a-ray,

So bryjte was aUe her9 molde !

" Nowe ryde for)>e, G. on my bleffynge,

And grete wel Artyr, y is ycT kynge,

And pray hym bl he wolde ;

For his loue }>' yn Bedlem was borne,

1 ferth, MS.
2 D 2

204 SYRE GAWENE AND THE

That he wull dyne w* me to-morne"
G. feyde he fcholde.
Then ]?ei rode fyngynge a-way,
Wl ]>s yonge lady on her palfray,
J)t was fo fayr9 & brygftte ;
They tolde kynge Artir wher p»ei had bene,
And what wondirs ]?ei had fene,
Serteynly in her fyght.
" Nowe thonkyd be god, cofyn Gawyfi,
pt |)u fcapift a-lyve vn-flayne,
Sertcyne, w* alle my myght f —
" And I, f kynge," fayd <f" Kay a-gayne,
[fol. 25h.] " That eu9 I feapid a-way vn-flayne,
My hert was neuyr fo lyght.

pe Carle p°yde you for his love ]>*■ yn Bedle was borne,
That ye wolde dyne w* hym to-morne," —
Kynge Arf fone hym hyght ;
In ]>e dawnynge for]»e ];ey rade,
A ryalle metynge ]»er was i-made,
Of many a ientylle knyght.
Trompettis mette hem at ]>e gate,
Clarions of filuer redy ]>er ate,
Serteyne wythoutyn lette ;
Harpe, fedylle, and fawtry,
Lute, geterofi, & merely,
In to j?e halle knyghtis hem fett.
The Carle knelyd' downe on his kne,
And welcomyd' )>e kynge wurthyly,
W wordis ware and wyfe ;
When ]>e kynge to ]>e halle was brought,
Nothynge ]>er9 ne wantyd' nought,
That any man kowde deuyfe.
The wallys glemyd as any glaffe,
Wl dyapir colour wrou^te hit was,
Of golde, afur , and byfe ;
W* tabernacles was )>e halle a-boujte,

CARLE OF CARELYLE. 205

[fol.26.] Wl pynnacles of golde, fterne and ftoute,

Tlier cowde no man hem preyfe.

Trompettys trompid vp in grete hete,

The kynge lete fey g"ce, £ wente to mete,

And was i-l'uyde wl oute lette ;

Swannys, fefautys, S cranys,

Partrigis, plouers, and curlewys,

Be-fore |>e kynge was fette.

The Carle feyde to |>e kynge, " dothe gladly,

Here get ye no noj'ir curtefy,

As I vndh'-ftonde ;"

W |>at come yn bollys of golde lb grete,

Ther was no knyght fat at ]>e mete,

Myght lyfte hem wl his on honde.

The kynge fwore by feynte Myghelle,

"This dyner lykythe me as welle.

As any \>at euyr Y fonde ;"

A dnbbyd hym knyght on the mome,

The contre of Cai-elyle he ?efe hym fone,

To be lorde of J?at londe.

" Her I make ]>e, yn ]>is ftownde,

A knyght of ]»e Table ltownde,

Karlyle ]>i name fchalle be ;"
[fol. 26b.] On the mome, when hit was day-lyght,

Syr G. weddyid' )>at lady bryght,

That femely was to fe.

Than ];e Carle was glade and blythe,

And thonkyd ]'e kymge fele lythe,

For fothe as I vow fay ;

A ryche fefte had' he i-dyght ',

That laftyd holy a fortenyght,

W* game, myrthe, and playe.

The mynftrellis had yeftys. fre,

That )>ey myght \>e better be,

1 i-dygh, MS.

206 SYRE GAWENE AND THE CARLE OF CARELYLE.

To fpende many a day ;
And when );e fefte was brou^te to ende,
Lordis toke here leve to wende,
Homwarde on her way.
A ryche Abbey ]>e Carle gan make,
To fynge and rede ' for goddis fake,
In wurfchip of our9 lady ;
In the towne of mery Carelyle,
He lete hit bylde ftronge 5 wele,
Hit is a byfchoppis fee.
And )»er yn monkys gray,
To rede and fynge tille domys-day,
[fol. 27.] As men tolde hit me ;

For the men ]?* he had flayne, I wis, —
Jhti Cryfte, brynge vs to thy blis,
Aboue in heuyil, yn thy fee ! AMEN.

: redee, MS.

No. II.

Cjje Jeaste of g>pr Olatoapne,

"3 And fa}-de, " I dreede no threte ;

Douce. T _ , . .

fol.15.] 1 naue founde youe here in my chafe," —
And in hys armes he gan her brace,
With kyfsynge of mowthes fweete.
There Syr Gawayne made fuch chere,
That greate frendefhyp he founde there,
With that fayre lady fo gaye ;
Suche chere he made, and fuche femblaunce,
That longed to loue he had her countenaunce,
With oute any more delaye.
He had not taryed with her longe,
But there came a knyght tall and ftronge,

Vnto the pauylion he wente ;

He founde Syr Gawayne with that lady fayre, —

" Syr knyght, thow makest an euyll repayre,

That wyll make the fhente.

Yt ys my doughter that thow lyest by,

Thowe hast done me great vyllanye,

Amende yt mayst thou nought ;

Thou haste greate fortune with that dame,

208 THE JEASTE OF SYR GAWAYNE.

Tyll nowe neuer man coulde for fhame,

I fee, Syr knyght, that thou hast wrought.

Wherefore I fee fortune ys thy frynde,

But haftely vnto harnes nowe thou wynde,"

Than fayed that bolde knyght ;

" Thou hast done me mnche dyfhonoure,

And may not amende yt, by Mary floure !

Therefore hastelye the dyght."

Than befpake Syr Gawayne, and thus he fayde,

" I fuppofe I haue the loue of the mayde,

Suche grace on her haue I founde ;

But and youe be her father deere,
[fol. 15b.] Syr, amendes nowe wyll I make here,

As I am to knyght-hode bounde.

Nowe all i'orewardes I wyll fullfyll,

And make amendes youe vntyll,

And lette me pafse quyte ;"
■ " Naye," fayed the olde knyght than,

" Fyrst wyll we afsaye oure myghtes as we can,

Or elfe yt were a dyfpyte."

Nowe fayde Gawayne, " I graunte yt the,

Sythe yt none otherwife wyll be,

{Here is inserted a drawing.']
[fol. 16.] Nedes muft that nedes fhall;"

He toke hys ftronge horfe by the brydle,

And lyghtly lepte in to the faddle,

As a knyght good and royall.

He toke a fpere that was greate and ftronge,

And forthe he wente, a large furlonge,

And turned hys horfe with mayne ;

They feutred theyr fpeares, thefe knyghtes good,

And rufshed together with eger moode,

Aboue on the mountayne.

Gawayne fmotte thys knyght fo foore,

That hys horfe with ftrenght he ouerthrewe thore,

And on the grounde he lave vpright ;

THE JEASTE OF SYR GAWAYNE. 209

Syr Gawayne turned hys horfe agayne,

And sayde, " fyr knyght, wyll ye any more fayne ?"

" Naye," he fayed, for he ne myght.

" I yelde me, Syr knyght, in to thy hande,

For thou arte to ftyfle for me to ftande, m

My lyfe thou graunte me ;"

" On thys couenaunte," Sp- Gawayne fayde,

" That ye do no harme vnto the mayde,

I am a-greed that yt so be.

Alfo ye fhall fwere on my fwerde here, 65

That none armes agaynst me ye fhall beare,

Neyther to daye nor to nyght ;
And then take your horfe, and wende your waye,
And I fhall do the beft that I maye,

As I am a trewe knyght." 70

There thys knyght fware, and dyd pafse,
Syr Gylbert called he was,
A ryche earle, ftyffe and ' ftoure ;
He fayde, " Syi- knyght, take good kepe,
[fol. 16b.] For Detter f^alt thou be afsayled or thou flepe, 75

With many a fharpe fhoure."
Than fayd Gawayne, " I beleue right well,
Whan they come, youe fhall here tell
Howe the game fhall goo ;

I am no we here in my playnge, so

I wyll not go awaye for no threatynge,
Or that I will feele more woo."
Than Syr Gylberte wente hys waye,
Hys horfe was gone downe the valaye,

On foote he must hym abyde ; ss

He yode downe, without wordes more,
The ffrokes greaued hym full foore,
That bated muche hys pryde.
Syr Gawayne had fmytten hym in the fholder-blade,

2 E

210 THE JEASTE OF SYR GAWAYNE.

After hys walkynge the blode out fhade,
He rested hym vnder a tree ;
He had not rested hym but a lyttell fpace,
But one of hys fonnes came to that place,
Syr Gyamoure called was he.
" Father," he fayde, " what ayleth youe nowe ?
Hathe any man in thys foirest hurte youe ?
Me thynke full faste ye blede f
" Yea, fonne," he fayde, " by goddes grame !
A knyght hath done me fpyte and fhame,
And lost I haue my ftede.
Alfo he hath layne by thy syster, by the rode !
That greueth me more than fhedynge of my blode,
And the defpyte was well more ;
And he hath made me to fweare,
That to daye none armes fhall I beare,
A-gaynst hym, by goddes ore !"
[fol. 17.] " Father, nowe be of good chere,

And I fhall rewarde hym. as ye fhall here,

As I am a trewe knyght!

He fhall beate me, or I fhall beate hym,

I fhall hym beate be he neuer fo grymme,

And hys death to-dyght."

" Lett be, fonne Gyamoure, nowe I the praye,

Thou fpeakest more than thou maye,

That fhalt thoue feele foone ;

There fhalt thoue mete with a knyght ftronge,

That tk yll paye hys lyueray large and longe,

Or thy ioi>mey be all done."

" "]V~T OWE farewell, father," Gyamoure fayde,
1 ^1 He toke the waye to hys fyster the mayde,
As fast as he myght on the gate ;
Vnto the pauylion he toke the waye,
There as Syr Gawayne and hys fyster laye,
That thought on no debate.

THE JEASTE OF SYR GAWAYNE. 211

" A-ryfe," he fayed, " thou knyght ftronge of hande, 125

And geue me battaylle on thys lande,

Hye the fast anone right ;

Thou hast hurte my father to-daye,

And layne by my fystcr, that fayre may,

Therfore thy deathe ys dyght." 130

Than fayde Gawayne, "though yt be fo,

A-mendes I wyll make or that I goo,

Yf that I haue myfdone ;

Better yt ys nowe to accorde right,

Than we two nowe in battayll fhulde fyght, 135

Therfore go from me foone."

" Nay," fayed Gyamoure, " that fhall not bee,
[fbl.l7>>. That daye, knyght, fhalt thow neuer fee,

For to fuffer fuche a fkorne ;

A-ryfe in haste, and that anone, ho

For with the wyll I fyght alone,

As god lett me be borne !"

Gawayne fawe no better bote,

And wyghtelye he lepte on foote,

Hys horfe was fast hym bye ; 145

In to the faddle wightelye he fprente,

And in hys hande hys fpeare he hentte,
[Here is inserted a drawing.']
[fol.18.] And loked full egerlye.

Eyther turned hys horfe than a-waye,

A furlonges lenght, I dare well faye, 150

Aboue on the mountayne ;

They ranne together, thofe knightes good,

That theyr horfes fydes ranne on bloode,

Eyther to other, certayne.

What nedeth nowe more tale to tell ? 155

Gawayne fmotte hym with hys fpeare fo well,

That he fell flatte to the grounde ;

Hys horfe was fyers, and went hys waye,

And hurte was the knyght there as he laye,
2 e 2

212 THE JEASTE OF SYR GAWAYNE.

Syr Gawayne afked hym in that ftounde.
" Syr knight, wyll ye any more ?"
" Naye," he fayde, " I am hurte fo fore,
I maye not my felfe welde ;
I yelde me, fyr knyght, and faue my lyfe,
For with the I wyll no more ftryffe,
For thowe hast wonne the felde."
" Syr, on thys couenaunte I the graunte,
So ye wyll make me fay the and warraunte,
To-daye agaynst me no armes to beare ;
Sweare thys othe on my fwearde bright." —
" Yes," he fayde, " I wyll, as I am trewe knight,
That thys daye I wyll not youe deare.
Nowe fare well, knyght, fo god me amende !
For I fee fortune ys thy greate frende,
That fheowith in the to-daye ;
There ys no bote to ftryde ' agayne,
For thou arte a knyght full ftronge of mayne,
Fare well, and haue good daye."
Thus Gyamoure wente downe the mountayne hye,
[ful. 1 8b] On foote he wente full werelye,
Hys father foone hym fpyed ;
" A ! wellcome," he fayed, " my fonne Gyamoure,
Me thynke thou hast not fpede well thys ftoure,
That full well I fee thys tyde.
Thou went on horfe-backe, lyke a good knyght,
And nowe I fee thou arte dolefully dyght,
That maketh all my care ;"
" Father," he fayde, " yt wyll none otherwife be,
Yonder knyght hath wonne me in warre fo fre,
And hathe wounded me full fore.
Forfothe," fayde Gyamoure, " I wyll not lye,
He ys a ftronge knyght, bolde and hardye,
Of Arthures courte I trowe he ys ;

1 ftryve ?

THE JEASTE OF SYR GAWAYNE. 213

I fuppofe on of the Rounde Table,

For at nede he ys both ftronge and hable, 195

So haue I founde hym, withouten myfse."
Right fo as they fpake the one to the other,
There came to them the feconde brother,
Syr Tyrry was hys name ;

He came rydynge on a iolye courfyer, 200

Dryvinge by leapes, as the wylde fyer,
The knyght was of good fame.
He was not ware of hys father deare,
But hys brother called hym neare,

And fayde, " Syr, nowe abyde ;" 205

He than turned hys horfe, that knyght fo gaye,
By leapes out of ftraye,
Hys hearte was full of pryde.
Than founde he hys father all blodye,

And hys brother was wounded fyckerlye, 210

In hys hearte he began to be fyke :
[fol.19.] « A! fyr, who hath wounded youe ?" quod he.
" A-venged on hym nowe wyll I be,
That fhall hym myflyke."

" I wys, fonne, yt ys a knyght ftronge, 215

That hath done vs thys wronge,
Aboue on the mountayne ;
He hath me wounded pafsynge foore,
And I trowe thy brother he hathe well more,
And by thy syster he hathe layne. 220

Therfore go nowe, as a knyght good,
And auenge the fhedynge of thy fathers blood,
As faste as euer thou maye ;
Loke that thou fayle not for no cowardyfe,

But mete hym in the myghtyest wyfe, 225

For he ys good at a-faye."
" I fee well, father, he ys a knyght ftronge,
But he hathe done youe greate wronge,
Yt woulde be harde hvm to wynne ;

214 THE JEASTE OF SYR GAWAYNE.

But neuer the later I fhall do my myght,
Hys ftrenght afsaye nowe I fhall in fyght,
Yf he were of the deuyls kynne."

T

HYS knyght Sji" Ten/ turned hys horfe,
And ^ £ the mountayne he rode with force,
As fast as he myght dryue ;
He came to the pauylion, with greate pryde, —
" Haue done, fyr knyght, thy horfe beftryde,
For with the I am at ftryue."
Sjx* Gawayne loked out at the pauylyon doore,
And fawe thys knyght armed hym before,
To hym he fayed verelye;
" Syr, yf I haue ought to youe offended,
[fol.l9b.] I am ready to make yt to be amended,
By mylde mother Marye !"
" Naye, Syr knyght, y t maye not fo be,
Therfore make the ready faste to me,
In all the haste that thou maye ;
For be god that me dere bought,
Make a-mendes mayest thou nought,
Therfore nowe lett vs playe."
Gawayne fawe none other bote than,
Hys horfe he toke as a worthye man,
And into the faddle he fprente ;
He toke hys horfe with a greate randone, —
" Nowe, Syr knyght, lette me haue done,
What in youre hearte ys mente."
" Lo ! here I am," fayde Syr Terrye,
" For to the I haue greate enuye,"
And together gan they dafshe ;
They rufshed to-gether with fuche debate,
That marueyll yt was howe that they fate,
They gaue fuche a crafshe!
Syr Terrye fpake in that place,
And Gawayne fought faste in that race,

THE JEASTE OF SYR GAWAYNE. 215

And throughe the f holder hym pyght; 265

And caste hym ouer the horfe backe,
That in the earth hys helme ftacke,

That nyghe hys death he was dyght.

Syr Gawayne than fayed on hyght,

" Syr knyght, wyll ye any more fyght ?" 270

He aunfwered hym, " naye,

I am fo foore hurte I may no more ftande,

Therfore I yelde me in to thy hande,

Of mercye I the praye."

[Here is inserted a drawing.]
[fol.20.] « What," fayde Gawayne, " ys that youre boast greate ? 275

I wende youe woulde haue foughten tyll ye had fweate,

Ys youre ftrenght all done ?"

" Yea, fy t, in fayth, fo god me nowe faue !

Of me thou mayste no more craue,

For all my myght ys gone. 280

Thou haste to-day wonne thre knyghtes,

The father, and two fonnes, that well fyghtes,

Worf hy pfullye vnder thy fhyelde ;

And yf thou maye wynne our eldest brother,
[ibl. 20b.] I call thee the best knyght, and none other, 285

That euer fought in fyelde.

For he ys full wyght, I warne youe welle,

He endureth better than ' doth the fteele,

And that f halte thou foone fee ;

But he be thy matche I can not knowe, 29c

Of knyghthode thoue haste no felowe,

On my fayth I enfure thee."

" Nowe," quod Gawayne, " lette hym be,

And, Syr knyght, make an othe to me,

Yl ys daye thou do me no greue ; 295

And thou fhalt pafse fro me all quyte,

Where as ys nowe thy moste delyght,

1 that, MS.

216 THE JEASTE OF SYR GAWAYNE.

With oute any moore repreue."
Syr Terrye fayde, " therto I graunte,
Fare well nowe, God be thy warrante," —
Full weykelye he wente on foote ;
He lefte neuer tyll he came there,
Where as hys father and Gyamoure were,
That carefull heartes had, god wote.
Than befpake Gyamoure, hys yongest brother,
a Syr, thou hast gotten as we haue, and non other,
That knewe I well yt 1'houlde fo be ;"
" By god !" fayde Syr Terrye, " fo nowe yt ys,
He ys a deuyll, forfothe ywys,
And that ys proued on me."
" Yea," quod Syr Gylbart, that Earle fo olde,
" He ys a knyght bothe ftronge and bolde,
And fortune ys hys frende ;
My doughters loue he hath clene wanne,
Therfore I dare well faye he ys a manne,
Where euer that he wende."
As they thre ftode thus talkynge,
[fol. 21.] They hearde a manne full loude fynge,
That all the woode ronge ; —
" That ys my fonne Brandies fo gaye,
Whan he feeth vs in fuche araye,
He wyll leaue hys fonge."
By than they fawe the knight comynge,
A grene boughe in hys hande he dyd brynge,
Syttynge on a ioylye courfyere ;
Hys horfe was trapped in redde veluett,
Many ouches of golde theron was fette,
Of knyghthode he had no peere.
Alfo hys horfe was armed before,
The headde and the brest, and no more,
And that in fyne fteele ;
Hym felfe was armed pafsynge fure,
In harneys that woulde ftrokes endure,

THE JEASTE OF SYR GAWAYNE. 217

That had bene proued right wele.

Thys knyght bare on hys hedde a pomell gaye, 33s

Syttynge on hys horfe, ftertynge oute of the waye,

By leapes he came aboute ;

A fhyelde he had, that was of renowne,

He bare theryn a blacke fawcowne,

The fhyelde was of syluer withoute. 340

Alfo in hys hande a fpere he bare,

Bothe ftronge and longe, I make yone ware,

And of a truftye tree ;

There was an headde theron of fteele wrought,

The bed that myght be made or bought, 345

And well afsayed had be.

Theron of pleasaunce a kercheyf dyd honge,

I wote yt was more than thre elles longe,

Enbrodered all withe golde ;
[fol.21b.J He was a knyght of large and lenght, 350

And proued well of muche ftrenght,

Afsaye hym who fo woulde.

Spurres of golde alfo he had on,

And a good fwerde, that wolde byte a-bone,

Thus came he dryuynge; 355

Tyll he came there as hys father was,

Whan he all fawe, he fayde, " alas !

[Here is inserted a drawing.]
[fol. 22.] Thys ys an euyll tydynge."

Whan he fawe hys father all blodye,

And hys two brethern hurte full fyckerlye, 360

" Alas !" fayde Brandies than,

" Who hath done youe fuche a dyfpite ?

Tell me in haste, that I maye yt quyte,

For my hearte ys wo begone."

Than faide the father, " fonne, I f hall the tell, 365

All thys hathe done a knyght full fell,

And layne by thy syster alfo ;

He beete me fyrst, and them all,
2 F

218 THE JEASTE OF SYR GAWAYNE.

And made vs fwere that we ne fhall,

Thys daye do hym no wo."

Nowe faide Brandies, " thys ys yll come,

I enfure youe by my holydome,

I fhall proue hys myght ;

Were he as ftronge as Sampfon was,

In fayth fhall I neuer from hym pas,

Tyll the one of vs to death be dyght."

" Yea, fonne Brandies, thou fhalt not foo,

Thoughe he haue done wronge, lett hym goo,

The knyght ys paffynge fure ;

I wyll not for more than I wyll fayne,

See the, Syr Brandels, there flayne,

For I warraunte the he wyll endure.

The knyght ys ftronge, and well fight can,

And when he hathe at hande a man,

He wyll do hym none yll ;

But gentle wordes fpeake agayne,

And do hym no harme ne mayne,

Thus gentyll he ys in fkyll."

[fol.22".] « "j^r OWE lette hym be," fayde Brandies than,
_L^| " Sone fhall we fee yf he be a manne,"
And fayed " haue good daye ;"
Streyght to the pauylyon he rode,
That fawe the mayden as fhe ftode,
That yt was her brother gaye.
" Syr knyght," fhe fayde, " here cometh one,
Yt wyl be harde hym to ouergone,
Beholde nowe and fee ;
Yonder cometh one wyll dure in fyght,
I warraunte ye fawe neuer a better knight,
Than ye fhall fynde hym, fyckerlye.
Beholde nowe my brother, Syr Brandies,
He ys in warre full flye, y-wys,
And that thowe fhalt fynde ;

THE JEASTE OF SYR GAWAYNE. 219

Me thynke hym pafsynge lyke a knyght,

Haue no drede ye fhall fynde hym wight, 4115

Nowe vnder thys lynde."
" By god !" fayde Gawayne, " he ys full lyke,
To abyde a buffette, and to ftryke,
And of hys handes a man ;

I fawe not or nowe thys yeares thre, 410

A man more lyke a man to be,
By god and by Saynt Johan !"
Right fo Syr Brandies, the knyght gaye,
Spake on hyghe, and thus gan faye,

" Where arte thou, good Squyer ? 415

Come forthe in hafte," he fayde on hyght,
" For with the will I fyght,
A newe game thoue fhalt leere.
Thou haste done me dyfworfhip greate,

And mayst not nowe amendement gette, 420

[fol.23.] Yt ys no tyme of peace to fpeake;"

Syr Gawayne faide, " Syr, I the praye,
Let me make a-mendes, and youe maye,
Or thou begynne thys wreke.

Syr, and I haue ought myfdone, 425

Tell me, and it fhalbe amended foone, ■
All gentlenes to fullfyll ;
I haue bene be-ftad to daye full foore,
Shame yt were to proue me any moore,

But here I am at youre wyll." 430

" Ywys," quod Brandies, " that ys fothe,
But I must nedes holde myne othe,
Thou haste done fo yll ;

My father and my brethren thou hast beaten bothe,
To accorde writh the I were therof lothe, 435

My worfhippe to full-fyll."
Nowe fayed Gawayne, " fythe yt ys fo,
I muste nedes me dryue ther to,
Thys daye god lende me grace ;
2 f 2

220 THE JEASTE OF SYR GA WAYNE.

For my worde fhall do none aduauntage,

Let vs fee howe well we can outrage,

Yf I maye dare ought in thys trace."

u Gramarcy," fayde Brandies, " in good faye,

Nowe fhall youe fee me make good playe,

Of knight-hode thou hast no peere ;

I am right gladde thou hast myght,

But forye I am we lacke the daye-lyght,

But a-mended ys my cheere."

They fought together, thofe knightes good,

Throughe theyr haburgeons ran out the redde blode,

That pytte yt ' was to fee ;

They fought together with fuche yre,

[Here is inserted a drawing.']
[fol. 23i>.] That after flamed out the fyre,

They fpake of no mercye.

Thus full longe than gan they fyght,

Tyll at the laste they wanted lyght,

They wyste not what to done ;

Than fayde Syr Brandies, that knyght fo gaye,

" Syr knyght, we wante lyght of the daye,

Therfore I make my mone.

Yf we fyght thus in the darke together,

Throughe myfhappe the one myght fie the other,
[fol. 24.] And therefore by myne afsent ;

Lett vs fweare on oure fweardes bothe,

Where that we mete for leyfe or lothe,

Yf that we mete in prefent,

Neuer to leaue the battayll tyll the one be flayne," —

" I afsent me therunto," than fayde Gawayne,

" And ye wyll that yt fo be ;"

Than fayde Syr Brandies, " I may none other do,

For fuche promefse I made my father vnto,

Therefore thys othc '^ake we.

1 vs, MS.

THE JEASTE OF SYR GAWAYNE. 22J

I wotte there ys no ftroke that thou gauest me,
But I fhall quyte yt full fyckerlye,

And thou arte not in my debte ; 475

Full large of lyueray thou arte, Syr knyght,
Neuer none that proued fo -well my myght,
We bene euen as we mette.
Lett vs make an othe on our fwerdes here,

In that place we mete, farre or nere, 4so

Euen there as ether other may fynde ;
Euen fo we fhall do the battayle vtterlye," —
" I holde," fayde Gawayne, " by mylde Marye !
And thus we make an ende."

Syr Gawayne put vp hys fwerde than, 485

" Syr knight, be frende to that gentle woman,
As ye be gentle knyght ;"
" As for that," fayde Brandies than,
" She hathe caufed to day, 'pardye, much fhame1,
Yt ys pyttye fhe hathe her fyght." 490

" Syr knyght," fayde Gawayne9, " haue good daye,
For on foote I haue a longe waye,
And3 horfe were wonders4 deare ;
Some tyme good horfes I haue good wone,
[fol.24b.] And5 nowe on foote %I muste nedes6 gone, 49s

God in haste amende my chere !"
Syr Gawayne was armed pafsynge heavy,
On fote myght he not endure, trewely,
Hys knyfe he toke in hande" ;

Hys arm ure good he cutte hym fro, sou

Els on foote myght he not goo,
Thus with care was he bande8.

[Here is inserted a drawing.']

1 moch fhame, parde, erf. Petyt.fragm. 9 fyr Gawayne.

3 an. * me wonder. But.

b nedes mult I. " honde. * bonde.

222 THE JEASTE OF SYR GAWAYNE.

rfol 25 1 EAUE we nowe of1 Syr Gawayne in wo,

Xj And fpeake we more of Syr Brandies tho,
When he with hys syster mette ;
He fayed, " fye on the harlot ftronge !
Yt ys pyttie thou2 lyuest fo longe,
Strypes harde I wyll the3 fette."
He4 bete her5 bothe backe and fyde,
Arid than woulde he not a-byde,
But to hys father ftreight he wentte ;
And6 he afked7 hym how he fared,
He fayde, "fonne, for the haue I cared,
I wende thou8 haddest be9 fhente."
Brandies fayde, " I haue beate my syster,
And the knyght, I made hym fweare,
Than 10 whan we mete a-gayne ;
He and I wyll together fyght,
Tyll that11 we haue fpended our15 myght,
And that one of vs be flayne."
So home they went all foure13 together,
And eche of them helped other,
As well as they myght go ;
Than the lady gate her a-waye,
They fawe her neuer after that daye,
She went wandrynge to and fro.
Alfo Syr Gawayne on 14 hys partye,
On foote he went full werylye,
Tyll he to the courte came home ;
All 'hys aduentures15 he f hewed the kinge,
That with thofe foure knyghtes he had fyghtynge,
And eche after other alone.

1 Om.

- that thou.

3 Om. * And.

5 the.

6 Then.

7 axed. s that thou.

,J ben.

"> That.

1 ' Om. ia eche our.

>> Om.

14 in.

1 ' this aduenture.

THE JEASTE OF SYR GAWAYNE.

223

And1 after that tyme they neuer mette more,
Full gladde were thofe knyghtes2 therfore,
[fol.L'.'i1'.] So 'there was3 made the ende; —
I praye god geue vs4 good reste,
And thofe that haue harde thys lyttell Jeste,
And in hye heauen to5 be dwellynge;
And that we all maye6, vpon domes-daye,
Come to the blyfse that lasteth aye,
Where we maye here thy7 Aungels fynge.

AMEN.

1 Om.

» for to.

thel'e partyes.
Om.

3 was there.
■> the.

vs al.
Om.

No. III.

tOje <^rene &mgi)t

[MS. Per- T 1ST, when1 Arthur he was K :
cy.p.203.] J^ He had att ^ ^ leading,

The broad He of Brittaine ;
England & Scottland one was,
& Wales stood in the same case,

The truth itt is not to layne.

He driue allyans2 out of this He,
Soe Arthur liued in peace a while,

As man3 of mickle maine ;
Ktes stronge of their degree,
Wch of them hyest shold bee,

Therof Arthur was not faine.

Hee made the Round Table for their behoue,
Y* none of them shold sitt aboue,

But all shold sitt as one ;
The K : himselfe, in state royall,
Dame Gueneuer, our Queene, wth all,

Seemlye of body & bone.

1 wenT MS. » allyance, MS. 3 men, MS.

THE GRENE KNIGHT. 225

Itt fell againe the Christmase,

Many came to y* Lords place, 20

To y* worthye one ;
Wtu helme, & head, & brand bright,
All y* tooke order of k*,

None wold linger att home.

There was noe Castle, nor man1' free, 25

Y* might harbour yl companye,

Their puissance was soe great ;
Their tentf vp they ' pight,
For to lodge there all yl night,

Therto were sett to meate. 30

Messengers there came [&] went,
Wth much victualls, verament,

Both by way & streete ;
Wine & wildfowle thither was brought,
Wth in they spared nought, 35

For gold, & they might itt gett.

Now of K : Arthur noe more I mell,
But of a venterous kl I will you tell,

Y* dwelled in the west Countrye ;
S1' Bredbeddle for sooth he hett, 40

He was a man of mickle might,

& Lo : of great bewtye.

He had a lady to his' wiffe,
He loued her deerlye as his liffe,

Shee was both blyth & blee ; 45

Because Sr Gawaine was stiffe in stowre,
Shee loued him priuilye par amour,

& shee neu him see.

the, MS. - wis, MS.

2 G

226 THE GRENE KNIGHT.

Itt was Aggteb yl was her mother,
Itt was witchcraft, & noe other,
Y4 shee dealt wth all ;

Shee cold transpose k'f & swaine,
Like as in battaile they were slaine,

Wounded both lim & lighth ;
Shee taught her sonne the kl alsoe,
In transposed likenesse he shold goe,

Both by fell & frythe.

Shee said, " thou shalt to Arthurs hall,
For there great aduentures shall befall,
[p. 204.] That euer saw K : or k*.

All was for her daughters sake,
Y* the witch3 soe sadlye spake,

To her sonne in law the k*.
Because S Gawaine was bold & hardye, 70

& therto full of curtesye,

To bring him into her sight.

The knight said, " soe mote I thee,
To Arthurs court will I mee hye,

For to praise thee right ; 75

& to proue Gawaines points 3.
& y* be true y* men tell me,

By Mary, most of might !"

Three lines are here wanting. - Three lines again are missing. ! they wch, MS.

THE GRENE KNIGHT. 227

Earlye soone as itt was day,

The k' dressed him full gay, so

Vmstrode a full good steede ;
Helme & hawberke both he hent,
A long fauchion, verament,

To fend them in his neede.

Y1 was a jolly sight to seene, 85

When horsse & armoui was all greene,

& weapon y* hee bare ;
When y* burne was harnisht still,
His countenance he became right well,

I dare itt safelye sweare.

90

Y1 time at Carleile lay our K :

Att a castle of Flatting was his dwelling,

In the Forrest of Delamore ;
For sooth he rode, the sooth to say,
To Carleile he came on Christmas day, 95

Into yl fayre countrye.

When he into yl place came,

The porter thought him a maruelous groome,

He saifh, "Sr, wither wold yee?"
Hee said, " I am a venterous k*. 100

& of yor K : wold haue sight

& other Los : y* heere bee."

Noe word to him the porter spake,
But left him standing att the gate,

& went forth, as I weene ; 105

& kneeled downe before the K :
Saith, " in lifes dayes, old or younge,

Such a sight I haue not seene.

2 G 2

228 THE GRENE KNIGHT.

For yonder att yor gates right,
He saith hee is a venterous kl,

All his vesture is greene ;"
Then spake the K : proudest in pall ',
Saith, " bring him into the hall,

Let vs see what hee doth meane."

When the Greene K* came before the K :
He stood in his stirrops strechinge,

& spoke wth voice cleere j
& saith, " K : Arthur, god saue thee,
As thou sittest in thy prosperitye,

& maintaine thine honor.

Why thou wold me nothing but right,
I am come hither, a venterous [knight],

& kayred thorrow countryes fair ;
To proue poynts in thy pallace,
Ye longeth to manhood in eu ye case,

Among thy Los : deere."

The K : he sate2 full still,
Till he had said all his will,

Certein thus can he say ;
" As I am true kl and K :
Thou shalt haue thy askinge,

I will not say thee3 nay.

Whether thou wilt on foote fighting,
Or on steed-backe iusting,

For loue of ladyes gay ;
If & thine armor be not fine,
I will giue thee pt of mine," —

" Godamercy Lo :" can he say.

1 all, MS. - sayd, MS. 3 thy, MS.

THE GRENE KNIGHT. 229

" Here I make a challenging,

Among the Lords, both old & younge,

Yl worthy beene in weede ;
Wch of them will take in hand,
Hee y* is both stiffe & stronge,

& full good att need.

[p. 205.] J shall lay my head downe,
Strike itt of, if he can,

Wth a stroke to gam- itt bleed ;
For this day 12 monthe another at his,
Let me see who will answer this,

A knight y* is doughtye of deed.

For this day 12 monthe, the sooth to say,
Let him come to me, & feicth ' his praye,

Rudlye, or eu9 hee blin ;
Whither he come I shall him tell,
The readie way to the Greene Chappell,

Y* place I will be in."

The K : att ease sate full still,
& all his Lords said but litle.

Till he had said all his will ;
Vpp stood Sr Kay, yl crabbed k4,
Spake mightye words y* were of height,

Y* were both loud & shrill.

" I shall strike his necke in tooe,
The head away the body froe,"

They9 bade him all be still;
Saith Kay, " of thy dints make noe rouse,
Thou wottest full litle what thou does,

Noe good but mickle ill."

1 fetch ? "- The, MS.

230 THE GRENE KNIGHT.

Eche man wold this deed haue done,
Vp start Sr Gawaine soone,

Vpon his knees can kneele ;
He said, " y* were great villanye,
Wth out you put this deede to me,

My Leege, as I haue sayd.

Remember I am yor sisters sonne,"
The K : said, " I grant thy boone,

But mirth is best att meele ;
Cheere thy guest, & giue him wine,
& after dinner to itt fine,

& sett the buffett well."

Now the Grene Kl is set att meate,
Seemlye1 serued in his seate,

Beside the Round Table ;
To talke of his welfare nothing he needs,
Like a k1 himselfe he feeds,

Wth long time reasnable.

When the dinner itt was done,
The K : said to Sr Gawaine soone,

Wth outen any fable ;
He said, " an2 you will doe this deede,
I pray Jesus be yor speede,

This k* is nothing vnstable,"

The Greene K* his head downe layd,
Sr Gawaine to the axe he braid,

To strike wth eger will ;
He stroke the necke-bone in twaine,
The blood burst out in eu9ye vaine,

The head from the body fell.

" Seenlye, MS. - on, MS.

THE GRENE KNIGHT, 231

The Greene K* his head vp hent,
Into his saddle wightilye he sprent,

Spake words both loud & shrill ;
Saith, " Gawaine, thinke on thy couenant,
This day 12 monthes see thou ne want,

To come to the Greene Chappell."

All had great maruell y* they ' see,
Yl he spake soe merrilye,

& bare his head in his hand ;
Forth att the hall dore he rode right,
& y* saw both K : and knight,

And Lords that were in land.

Wth out the hall dore, the sooth to saine,
Hee sett his head vp on againe,

Saies, " Arthur, haue heere my hand ;
When soeu9 the k* cometh to mee,
A better buffett sickerlye,

I dare him well warrand."

The Greene K* away went,
[p. 206.] All this was done by enchantment,

Y* the old witch had wrought ;
Sore si eke fell Arthur the K :
& for him made great mourning,

That into such bale was brought.

The Q. : shee weeped for his sake,
Sorry was Sr Lancelott du Lake,

& other were dreery in thought ;
Because he was brought in great gil,
His mightye manhood will not availe,

Y4 before hath freshlye fought.

1 the, MS.

232 THE GRENE KNIGHT.

Sr Gawaine comfort K : and Q :
& all the doughtye there be-deene,

He bade they1 shold be still ;
Said, " of my deede I was neu feard.
Nor yett I am nothing adread,

I swere, by S' Michaell !

For when draweth toward my day,
I will dresse me in mine array,

My promise to fullfill ;
Sr" he saith, " as I haue blis,
I wott not where the Greene Chappell is,

Therefore seeke itt I will."

The royall Court'2, verament,
All rought S1' Gawaines intent,

They thought itt was the best ;
They went forth into the feild,
K*f y* ware both speare and sheeld,

They priked3 forth full prest.

Some chuse them to justinge,
Some to dance, karoll4, & singe,

Of mirth they5 wold not rest;
All they swore together in fere,
Yl and Sr Gawaine ou -come were,

They6 wold bren all the west.

Now leaue wee the K : in his pallace,
The Greene Kl come home is,

To his owne Castle ;
His folke trend, when he came home,
What doughtye deeds he had done,

Nothing he wold them tell.

' the, MS. * Couett, MS. ' The priced, MS.

' keuell, MS. "• the, MS. ' the, MS.

THE GRENE KNIGHT. 233

Full well he wist in certaine,
Y* his wiff'e loued Sr Gawaiue,

Y* comelye was vnder kell ;
Listen Lo9 & yee will sitt,
& yee shall heere the second Fitt,

What aduentures Sr Gawaine befell.

2d. PARTE.

The day is come yl Gawaine must gone,
Ktes & Ladyes waxed wann,

Y* were wth out in yl place ;
The K : himselfe siked ill,
The Q. : a swounding almost fell,

To yl jarney when he shold passe.

When he was in armour bright,
He was one of the goodlyest ktes

Y* eu9 in Brittaine was borne ;
They brought Sr Gawaine a steed,
Was dapple gray, & good att need,

I tell, wth outen scorne.

His bridle was wth stones sett,
Wth gold & pearle ou9 frett,

& stones of great vertue ;
He was of a furley kind,
His stirropps were of silke of Ynd,

I tell you this tale for true.

2 H

234 THE GRENE KNIGHT.

When he rode ou9 the mold,
His geere glistered as gold,

By the way as he rode ;
Many furleys he there did see,
Fowles hy the water did flee,

By brimes & bankes soe broad.

Many furleys there saw he,

Of wolues & wild beasts sikerlye,

On hunting hee tooke most heede ;
Forth he rode, the sooth to tell,
For to seeke the Greene Chappell,

He wist not where indeed.

[p. 207] As he rode in an euening late,
Riding downe a greene gate,

A faire Castell saw hee ;
Y* seemed a place of mickle pride,
Thitherward Sr Gawaine can ryde,

To gett some harborrowe.

Thither he came in the twylight,
He was ware of a gentle k',

The Lo : of the place was hee ;
Meekly to him Sr Gawaine can speake,
& asked him for K : Arthurs sake,

Of harborrowe I pray thee.

" I am a far labored knight,

I pray you lodge me all this night,"

He sayd him not nay ;
Hee tooke him by the arme, & led him to the hall,
A poore child can hee call,

Saith, " dight well his palfrey."

THE GRENE KNIGHT. 235

Into a chamber they ' went, a full great speed,
There they l found all thingf readye att need,

I dare safelye swere ; 315

Fier in chambers burning bright,
Candles in chandlers burning light,

To supp they1 went full yare.

He sent after his Ladye bright,

To come to supp wth ye gentle k«, 320

& shee came blythe wth all ;
Forth she came then anon,
Her maidf following her eche one,

In robes of rich pall.

As shee sate att her supp, 325

Eu more the Ladye clere,

Sr Gawaine shee looked vpon ;
When the supp it was done,
Shee tooke her maids [euery one,]

And to her chamber will gone. 330

He cheered the k' & gaue him wine,
& said, " welcome, by St. Martine !

I pray you take itt for none ill ;
One thing, Sr, I wold you pray,
What you make soe farr this way, 335

The truth you wold me tell.

I am a kl, & soe are yee,

Yor concell an you will tell mee,

Forsooth keepe itt I will;
For if itt be poynt of any dread, M0

pchance I may helpe att need,

Either lowd or still."

1 the, MS.
2 h 2

236 THE GRENE KNIGHT.

For his words yl were soe smooth,
Had Sr Gawaine wist the soothe,

All he wold not haue told ;
For yl was the Greene K',
Yl hee was lodged wth that night,

And harbarrowe in his hold.

He saith, " as to the Greene Chappell,
Thitherward I can you tell,

Itt is but furlongf 3.
The Mr of it is a venterous k',
& workes by witchcraft day & night,

Wth many a great furley.

If he worke w*11 neu soe much frauce,
He is curteous as he sees cause,

I tell you sikerlye ;
You shall abyde & take yor rest,
& I will into yonder forrest,

Vnder the greenwood tree."

They plight their truthes to be leele1,
Either wth other for to deale,

Whether it were siluer or gold ;
He said, " we 2. both wilbe,
Whatsoeu God send you & mee,

To be pted on the mold."

The Greene K1 went on hunting,
Sr Gawaine in the Castle beinge,

Lay sleeping in his bed ;

[p.20S.] Vp rose the old Witche wrth hast thowe2,

& to her dauhter can shee goe,

& said, " bee not a-dread."

1 beleeue, MS. ■ throwe, MS.

THE GRENE KNIGHT. 237

To her daughter can shee say,

" The man y* thou hast wisht matry a day,

Of him thou maist be sped ; 375

For Sr Gawaine, y* curteous kl,
Is lodged in this hall all night," —

Shee brought her to his bedd.

Shee saith, " gentle k1, awake,

& for this faire ladies sake, 380

Y' hath loued thee soe deere ;
Take her body in thine armes,
There is noe man shall doe thee harm,"

Now beene they both heere.

The Ladye kissed him times 3. 385

Saith, " wth out I haue the loue of thee,

My life standeth in dere ;"
Sr Gawaine blushed on the lady bright,
Saith, " yor husband is a gentle k*,

By him y* bought mee deare ! 390

To me itt were great shame,
If I schold doe him any grame,

Y* hath beene kind to mee ;
For I haue such a deede to doe,
Y* I can neyther rest nor roe, 395

Att an end till itt bee."

Then spake y* ladye gay,

Saith, " tell me some of your journey,

Yor succour I may bee ;
If itt be poynt of any warr, 400

There shall noe man doe you noe dan-,

& yee wilbe gou ned by mee.

238 THE GRENE KNIGHT.

For heere I haue a lace of silke,
It is as white as any milke,

& of a great value ;"
Shee saith, " I dare safelye sweare,
There shall noe man doe you deere,

When you haue it vpon you."

Sr Gawaine spake mildlye in the place,
He thanked the lady, & tooke the lace ;

& promised her to come againe ;
The k* in the forrest slew many a hind,
Other venison he cold none find,

But wild bores on the plaine.

Plentye of does & wild swine.
Foxes, & other ravine,

As I hard true men tell ;
Sr Gawaine swore sickerlye,
" Home to yor owne welcome you bee,

By him y* harrowes hell !"

The Greene K* his venison downe layd,
Then to Sr Gawaine thus he said,

" Tell me anon in night1 ;
What noueltyes y* you haue won,
For heers plenty of venison", —

Sr Gawaine said full right.

Sr Gawaine sware by St. Leonard,

" Such as God sends you shall haue pt,"

In his armes he hent the k* ;
& there he kissed him times 3.
Saith, " heere is such as God sends mee,

By Mary, most of might !"

' heght. MS

THE GRENE KNIGHT. 239

En priuilye he held the lace,

V was all the villanye yl eu was,

Prooued by Sr Gawaine the gay ;
Then to bed soone they ' went,
& sleeped there, verament,

Till morrow itt was day.

Then Sr Gawaine soe eurteous & free,
His leaue soone taketh hee,
At the ladye soe gaye ;
[p.209.] Hee thanked her, & tooke the lace,
& rode towards the Chappell apace,
He knew noe whitt the way.

Eu more in his thought he had,

Whether he shold worke as the ladye bade,

Y' was soe curteous & sheene ;
The Greene K4 rode another way
He transposed him in another array,

Before as it was greene.

As Sr Gawaine rode ou9 the plaine,
He hard one high vpon a mountaine,
A home blowne full lowde ;

He looked after the Greene Chappell,
He saw itt stand vnder a hill.,

Couered wth euyes about ;
He looked after the Greene Ke,
He hard him whett3 a fauchion bright,

Y* the hills rang about.

the, MS • Three lines here are wanting. » wehett, MS.

240 THE GRENE KNIGHT.

The k* spake wth strong cheere,

Said, " yee be welcome, S [r] Gawaine heere,

It behooueth thee to lowte ■"
He stroke, & litle perced the skin,
Vnneth the flesh wth in,

Then Sr Gawaine had noe doubt.

He saith, "thou shoutest, why dost thou soe?"
Then Sr Gawaine in hart waxed throe,

Vpon his feete con stand ;
& soone he drew out his sword,
& saith, " traitor, if thou speake a word,

Thy liffe is in my hand.

I had but one stroke att thee,
& thou hast had onother att mee,
Noe falshood in me thou found ;

The k1 said, " wth outen laine,
I wend I had Sr Gawaine slaine,

The gentlest k* in this land ;
Men told me of great renowne,
Of curtesie thou might haue woon the crowne,

Aboue both free & bound.

& alsoe of great gentrye,

& now 3 poyntf be put for thee,

Itt is the moe pittye ;
Sr Gawaine, thou wast not leele,
When thou didst the lace conceale,

Y* my wiffe gaue to thee.

1 Three more lines are apparently deficient here.

THE GRENE KNIGHT. 241

For wee were both wist full well,
For thou hadst the halfe dele,

Of my venerye ; 49s

If the lace had neu beene wrought,
To haue slaine thee was neu5 my thought,

I swere, by God verelye !

I wist it well my wiffe loued thee,

Thou wold doe me noe villanye, 500

But nicked her XVth nay ;
But wilt thou doe as I bidd thee,
Take me to Arthurs court wth thee,

Then were all to my pay."

Now are the ktes accorded thore, 505

To the Castle of Hutton can they ' fare,

To lodge there all yl night ;
Earlye on the other day,
To Arthurs court they ' tooke the way,

Wth harts blyth & light. 510

All the court was full faine,
Aliue when they saw Sr Gawaine,

They thanked God abone ;
Y* is the matter & the case,
Why ktes of the Bathe weare the lace, 515

Vntill they haue wonen their shoen.

Or else a Ladye of hye estate,
From about his necke shall it take,

For the doughtye deeds y* hee hath done ;
It was confirmed by Arthur the K : 520

Thorrow Sr Gawaines desiringe,

The K : granted him his boone.

1 the, MS.

2 1

242 THE GRENE KNIGHT.

[p. 210.] Thus endeth the tale of the Greene K\
God y4 is soe full of might,

To heauen their soules bring ;
Yt haue hard this litle storye,
Y* fell sometimes in the west Countrye,
In Arthurs days our king.

FINIS.

No. IV.

Cije Curke ant &ototn*

lP- 38.] t I STEN lords, great & fmaU,
J__^ What adventures did befall,

In England where hath beene ;
Of knights that held the Round Table,
Wch were doughty & profittable,

Of kempys cruell & keene.

All England, both Eaft & Weft,
Lords & ladyes of the beft,

They buf ked & made them bowne ;
& when the king fate in feate,
Lords ferved him att his meate,

Into the hall a burne there taite '.

He was not hye, but he was broad,
& like a Turke he was made,

Both legg & thye ;
& faid, " is there any will, as a brother,
To give a buffett & take another,

& iflf any foe hardy bee ?"

• Sic MS.

2 i 2

244 THE TURKE AND GOWIN.

Then fpake Sr Kay, that crabhed ke,

& faid, " man, thou feeraeft not foe wight,

If thou be not adread ;
For there beeue kts wth in this hall,
Wth a buffett will garr thee fall,

& grope thee to the ground.

Gine thou be never foe ftalworth of hands,
I fhall bring thee to the ground,

Y* dare I fafely fweare ;"
Then fpake Sr Gawaine, that worthy knight,
Saith, " cozen Kay, thou fpeakeft not right,

Lewd is thy anfwere.

What & that man want of his witt,
Then litle worfhipp were to thee pitt,

If thou fhold him forefore ;"
Then fpake the Turke wtt words thraw,
Saith, " come the better of you tow,

Though ye be brenne1 as bore2."

[Half a puye is here torn away.~\

[p. 39.] This buffett thou haft

Well quitt that it fhall be ;

And yett I fhall make thee as feard,
As ever was man in middlearth,
This court againe ere thou fee."

1 breme ? • bord, MS.

THE TURKE AND GOWIN. 245

Then faid Gawaine, " my truth I plight,
I dare goe wth thee full right,

& never from thee flyc ;
I will never flee from noe adventure, 45

.1 lifting, nor noe other turnament,

Whileft I may live on lee."

The Turke tooke leave of king \vth crowne,
Sr Gawaine made him ready bowne,

His armor, & his fteed ; 50

They rode northward 2 dayes and more ;
By then Sr Gawaine hungred fore,

Of meate & drinke he had great need.

The Turke wilt Gawaine had need of meate,

& fpake to him wth words great, 55

Lawtinge ' uppon hee ;
Says, " Gawaine, where is all thy plenty ?
Yefterday thou waft ferved wth dainty,

& noe2 y1 thou wold give me.

But wth buffett thou did me fore. go

Therfore thou fhalt have mickle care,

& adventures fhall thou fee ;
I wold I had K : Arthur heere,
& many of thy fellowes in fere,

That behaves3 to try maftery." 65

He led Sr Gawaine to a hill foe plaine,
The earth opened, & clofed againe,

Then Gawaine was adread ;
The merke was comen, & the light is gone,
Thundering, lightning, fnow & raine, 70

Therof enough they had.

' Lawghinge ? - none ? 3 behoves ?

246 THE TURKE AND GOWIN.

Then fpake Sr Gawaine, & fighed fore,
" Such wether faw I never afore,
In noe ftead where I have beene ;

[Half a page is here wanting.~\

[p. 40.] noe answere,

But only unto mee."

To the Cattle they then yode,
Sr Gawaine light befide his fteed,

For horfe the Turke had none ;
There they found chamber, bower, & hall,
Richly rayled about wth pale,

Seemly to looke uppon.

A Bord was fpred wthin that place,

All manner of meates & drinkes there was,

For groomes that might it againe ' ;
Sr Gawaine wold have fallen to y1 fare,
The Turke bad him leave, for care,

Then waxt he unfaine.

Gawaine faid, " man, I marvell have,

Yl thou may none of thefe vittells2 fpare3,

& here is foe great plentye ;
Yett have I more mervaile, by my fay,
That I fee neither man nor maid4,

Woman, nor child foe free ;

1 gaine ? * vttells, MS. ' crave ? * may ?

THE TURKE AND GOWIN. 247

I had lever now att mine owne will, 96

Of this fayre meate to eate my fill,

Then all the gold in chriftenty ;"
The Turke went forth, & tarryed nought,
Meate & drinke he forth brought,

Was feemly for to fee. 100

He faid, " eate, Gawaine, & make thee yare,
In faith or thou gett victalls more,

Thou f halt both fwinke & fweat ;
Eate, Gawaine, & fpare thee nought," —
Sr Gawaine eate as him good thought, 105

& well he liked his meate.

He dranke ale, & after wine,

He faith, " I will be att thy bidding baine,

Without boft or threat ;
But one thing I wold thee pray, no

Give me my buffett, & let me goe my way,

I wold not longer be hereatt."

[Half a page wanting.']

[P. 41.] There ftood a

Sr Gawaine left behind his fteed,

He might noe other doe ;
The Turke faid to Sr Gawaine,
" He fhalbe here when thou comes againe,

I plight my troth to thee."

248 THE TURKE AND GOWIN.

Within an hower, as men tell me,
They were failed over the fea,

The Turke faid, " Gawaine, hoe1 !
Here are we, withouten fcath,
But now beginneth the great othe,

When he fhall adventures doe."

He lett him fee a caftle faire
Such a one he never faw yare,

Noe where2 in noe country ;
The Turke faid to Sr Gawaine,
" Yonder dwells the K : of Man,

A heathen foldan is hee.

With him he hath a hideous rout,
Of giants ftrong & ftout,

& uglie to looke uppon ;
Whofoever had fought farr & neere,
As wide as the world were,

Such a companye he cold find none.

Many aventures thou fhalt fee there,
Such as thou never faw yare,

In all the world about ;
Thou fhalt fee a teniffe ball,
That never kl in Arthurs hall,

Is able to give it a lout ;
& other adventures there are moe,
Wee fhall be affayled ere we goe,

Therof have thou noe doute.

But & yee will take to me good heed,
I fhall helpe you in time of need,
For ought I can fee ;

1 hee, MS. ■ wherin, MS.

THK TURKE AND GOWIN. 249

There fhall be none fo ftrong in ("tower,

But I fhall 150

[Half a page wanting.]

rP- *2 ] Gawaine & ftowre,

& all his company ;
& that Bifhopp, Sr Bodwine,
That will not let my goods alone,
But fpiteth them every day.

He preached much of a crowne of thorne,
He fhall ban the time yl he was borne,

& ever I catch him may ;
I anger more att the fpiritualty ',
In England nor att the temporaltje,

They goe foe in theire array.

And I purpofe, in full great ire,
To brenn their clergy in a fire,

& punifh them to my pay ;
Sitt downe, Sr Gawaine, at the bord," —
Sr Gawaine anfwered at that word,

Saith, " nay, thatt may not be.

I trow not a venturous kl fhall
Sitt downe in a kings hall,

Adventures or you fee ;"
The K : faid, " Gawaine, faire mot thou2 fall !
Goe feitch me forth my teniffe ball,

For play will I, and fee."

1 fpiritually, MS. l then. MS.

2 K

250 THE TURKE AND GOWIN.

They brought it out, wthout doubt,
Wth it came a hideous rout,

Of gyants great & plenty ;
All the giants were there then,
Heire1 by the halfe then Sr Gawaine,

I tell you, withouten nay2.

There were ix. giants bold of blood,
& all thought Gawaine but litle goodd,

When they thought wth him to play ;
All the giants thoughten then,
To have ftrucke out Sr Gawaines braine,

Help him God, that beft may !

The ball of braffe was made for the giants hand,
There was noe man in all England,
Were able to

[Half a page wanting. ~\

[p. 43.] And fticked a giant in the hall,
That gryfly can hee grow4 ;
The K : fayd, " bray away this axeltree,
For fuch a boy I never fee,

Yett he fhalbe aflayd5 better ere he goe.

I told you foe mote I tho,
Wth the 3 adventure, & then no more,
Be for me at this tide."

Then there ftood amongft them all,
A chimney in the6 Ks hall,
Wth barres mickle of pride ;

1 i. e. higher ; heires, MS. 2 may, MS. 3 goods, MS.

1 grone ? 5 aflayd ? 6 they, MS.

THE TURKE AND GOWIN. 251

There was laid on in that ftond1, 200

Coales tk wood that coft a pound,
That upon it did abide.

A giant bad Gawaine affay,

& faid, " Gawaine, begin the play,

Thou knoweft beft how it fhold be ; 205

& afterwards when thou haft done,
I trow you fhalbe anfwered foone,

Either wth boy or me."

A great giant, I underftand,

Lift up the chimney wth his hand, 210

& fett it downe againe fairly.

Sr Gawaine was never foe adread,
Sith he was man on midle-earth,

& cryd on God in his thought ;
Gawaine unto his boy can fay, 215

" Lift this chimney, if you may,

Y* is foe worthily wrought."

Gawaines boy to it did leape,
& gatt itt by the bowler great,

& about his head he it flang ; 220

3s about his head he it fwang,
Y* the coales & the red brands.

[Half a page wanting.^

[p-44-] " of mickle might,

& ftrong were in battell.

1 ftone, MS.
2 k 2

252 THE TURKE AND GOWIN.

I have flaine them thorrow my maftery,
& now, Gawaine, I will flay thee,

& then I have flaine all the flovver ;
There went never none againe no tale to tell,
Nor more fhalt thou, thoe thou be fell,

Nor none that longeth to K: Arthur."

The Turke was clad inviffible gay1,
No man cold fee him, withouten nay,

He was cladd in fuch a weede ;
He heares their talkings, leffe & more,
& yet he thought they fhold find him there,

When they fhold do that deed.

Then he led him into a fteddie'2,
Wher as3 was a boyling leade,

& welling uppon hie ;
& before it a giant did ftand,
Wth an iron forke in his hand,

Y4 hideous was to fee.

The giant y1 looked foe keene,

Yt before Sr Gawaine had never feene,

Noe where in noe country ;
The K: faid to his giant thoe,
" Here is none but wee tow,

Let fee how beft may bee."

When the giant faw Gawaines boy there was,
He leapt, & threw, & cryed alas !

Y' he came in that ftead ;
Sr Gawines boy to him lept,
& wth ftrenght up him gett,

& caft him in the lead.

1 in inviffible gray ? - stede ? 3 werhas, MS.

THE TURKE AND GOWIN. 253

Wth an iron forke made of fteele, 255

He held him downe wonderous weele,

Till he was fcalded to the dead;
Then Sr Gawaine unto the K: can fay,
" Wthout thou wilt agree unto our law,

Eaten is all thy bread." 260

The K : fpitt on Gawaine the kl,
\yth yt the Turke hent him upright,

& into the fyer him flang ;
& faid to Sr Gawine, at the laft,
" Noe force, Mr, all the perill ' is paft 265

Thinke not we tarried too longe."

[Hal/ a page wanting.]

[p. -15.] Ile tooke forth a bafon of gold,
As an Emperour was he fhold,
As fell for his degree.

He took a fword of mettle free, 270

Saies, " if ever I did any thing for thee,

Doe for me in this ftead ;
Take here this fword of fteele,
That in battell will bite weele,

Therwith ftrick of my head." 275

" Y' I forefend," faid S1' Gawaine,
" For I wold not have thee flaine,

For all the gold foe red ;"
" Have done, Sr Gawaine, I have no dread,
But in this bafon let me bleed, 280

Y* I'tandeth here in this ftead.

1 pill, MS.

254 THE TURKE AND GOWIN.

And thou fhalt fee a new play,
Wth helpe of Mary, y4 mild mayd,

Y* faved us from all dread ;" —
He drew forth the brand of fteele,
That in battell bite wold weele,

& there ftroke of his head.

And when the blood in the bafon light,
He ftood up a ftalwortht k4,

Y4 day, I undertake ;
& fong Te deum laudam's,
" Worfhipp be to our lord Jefus,

That faved us from all wracke !

A ! Sr Gawaine, bleffed thou be,
For all the fervice I have don thee1,

Thou haft well quitt it me ;"
Then he tooke him by the hand,
& many a worthy man they fand,

Y4 before they never2 fee.

He faid, " Sr Gawine, wthouten threat,
Sitt downe boldly at thy meate,

& I will eate wth thee ;
Ladyes all, be of good cheere,
Eche ane fhall wend to his owne deer,

In all haft that may be.

Firft we will to K : Arthurs hall,
& foone after yor hufbands fend we fhall,
In country where they beene ;

[Half a page wanting.']

1 there, MS. - neve, MS.

THE TURKE AND GOWIN. 255

[p. 46.] Thus we have brought 17 ladys cleere,

V there were left in great danger, 310

& we have brought them out."

Then fent they for theire hufbands fwithe,
& every one tooke his owne wife,

& lowlye can they low te ;
And thanked the 2 kts & the K : 315

& faid they ' wold be at theire bidding,

In all England about.

Sr Gromer kneeld upon his knee,
Saith, " Sr K : & your'2 wdbe,

Crowne Gawaine K : of Man ;" 320

Sr Gawaine kneeled downe by,
& faid, " lord, nay not I,

Give it hiin, for he it wan.

For I never purpofed to be noe K :

Never in all my livinge, 325

Whileft I am a living man ;"
He faid, " Sr Gromer, take it thee,
For Gawaine will never K : bee,

For no craft that I can."

Thus endeth the tale that I of meane, 330

Of Arthur & his knights keene,

Y* hardy were & free ;
God give them good life, far and neere,
That fuch talking loves to heere,

Amen, for Charity ! Fin[i]s. 335

' the. MS. - you, MS.

No. V.

Carle off Caritle,

[p. 448.] | ISTEN to me a litle ftond,

J_^j Yee fhall heare of one yl was fober & found ;
Hee was meeke as maid in bower,
Stiffe & ftrong in every ftoure.

Certes, wthouten fable,

He was one of the Round Table ;

The kte name was Sr Gawaine,

Y' much worfhipp wan in Brittaine.

The He of Brittaine called is,
Both England & Scottland, I wis ;
Wales ' is an angle to y' lie,
Where K: Arthur foiorned awhile.

Wth him 24 k*5 told,
Befids Barrons & Dukes bold ;
The K: to his Bifhopp gan fay,
[p. 449.] « Wee will have a Maffe to day.

Bifhop Bodwin8 fhall itt done,
After to the fah-eft wee will gone ;
For now its graf's time of the yeere,
Barrons bold fhall breake the deere.

1 Vales, MS. ■ Bodwim, MS.

CARLE OF CARLILE. 257

Faine theroff was Sr Marroche,
Soe was Sr Kay the k1 ftout ;
Faine was Sr Lancelott Du Lake,
Soe was Sr Percivall, I undertake.

Faine was Sr Ewaine,

& Sr Lott of Lothaine ;

Soe was the Kl of armes greene,

& alfoe Sr Gawaine the fheene.

Sr Gawaine was l'teward in Arthurs hall,
Hee was the curteous k* amongft them all ;
K : Arthur, & his cozen Mordred,
& other kts wthouten lett.

S1' Lybius Disconyus was there,
Wth proud archers, leffe & more ;
Blanch Faire, & Sr Ironfide,
& many kts y' day can ryde.

& Ironfide, as I weene,

Gate the knight of armour greene ;

Certes, as I underftand,

Of a faire lady of Blaunch-Land.

Hee cold more of honor in warr,
Then all the kts y* wth Arthur weare ;
Burning dragons he flew in land,
& wilde beafts, as I underftand.

Wilde beares he flew y* ftond,
A hardyer k* was never found ;
He was called in his dayes,
One of K: Arthurs fellowes.

258 CARLE OF CARLILE.

Why was hee called Ironfyde,
For ever armed wold he ryde ;
Hee wold allwais armes heare,
For gyants & hee were ever att warr.

Dapple coulour was his fteede,
His armour, and his other weede ;
Azure of gold he bare,
Wth a griffon, leffe or more.

& a difference of a molatt,
He bare in his creft algate ;
Wherefoever he went, eaft nor weft,
He nev forfooke man nor beaft.

Beagles keenely away they1 ran,
The K: followed affter, wth many a man ;
The2 grayhounds out of the leefhe,
They drew downe the deere of graffe3.

Fine tents in the feild were fett,

A merry fort there were mett ;

Of comely kts of kind,

Uppon the bent there can they lend4 ;

& by noone of the fame day,

A 100d harts on the ground they5 lay ;

Then Sr Gawaine & Sr Kay,
& Bifhopp Bodwin, as I heard fay ;
After a redd deere they6 rode,
Into a foreft, wyde & brode.

the, MS. 2 they, MS. 3 grefe ?

lead, MS. s the, MS. " the, MS.

CARLE OF CARLILE. 259

A thicke mil't fell them among, 75

Y' caifed them all to goo wronge ;
Great moane made then Sr Kay,
Y* they fhold loot'e the hart y4 day.

Yl red hart wold not dwell, —

Hearken what adventures them beffell ; so

Full fore they l were adread,

Ere they1 any lodginge had.

Then fpake Sr Gawaine,

" This labour wee have had in vaine ;

This red hart is out of fight, ss

Wee meete wth him no more this night.

I rede2 wee of our horffes do light,
& lodge wee heere all this night ;
[P. 450.] Truly itt is beft, as thinketh mee,

To lodge low under this tree." go

" Nay," said Kay, " go wee hence anon,
For I will lodge wherforre3 I come ;
For there dare no man warne me,
Of whatt eftate foever hee bee."

" Yes," faid the Bifhopp, "y4 wott I well, 95

Here dwelleth a Carle in a caftell ;
The Carle of Carlile is his name,
I know itt well, by S4 Jame !

Was there nev9 man yett foe bold,

Y* durft lodge wthin his hold ; 100

But & if hee ftaye wth his liffe away,

Hee ruleth him well, I you fay."

1 the, MS. * wede, MS. 3 wherfoever ?

2 L 2

260 CARLE OF CARLILE.

Then faid Kay, " all in fere,
To goe thither is my defire ;
For & the Carle be never foe bolde,
I thinke to lodge wthin his hold.

For if he iangle, & make itt ftout,
I fhall beate the Carle all about ;
& I fhall make his bigging bare,
& doe to him mickle care.

& I fhall beate [him] , as I thinke,
Till he both fweate & ftinke ;"
Then faid the Bifhopp, " fo mote I fare,
Att his bidding I wilbe yare!"

Gawaine said, " lett be thy boftlye fare,
For thou doft ever waken care ;
If thou fcape ' with thy liffe away,
Thou ruleth thee well, I dare fay."

Then faid Kay, " that pleafeth mee,
Thither let us ryde all three ;
Such as hee bakes, fuch fhall hee brew,
Such as hee fhapes, fuch fhall hee few.

Such as he breweth, fuch fhall he drinke," —
" Y4 is contrary," faid Gawaine, " as I thinke ;
But if any faire fpeeche will he3 gaine,
Wee fhall make him Lord wthin his owne.

If noe faire fpeech will avayle,
Then to karp on, Kay, wee will not faile ;"
Then faid the Bifhopp, " yl tenteth mee,
Thither lett us ryde all three."

1 ftape, MS. 2 him ?

CARLE OF CARLILE. 261

When they came to the Carles gate,
A hammer they found hanging theratt ;
Gawaine hent the hammer in his hand,
& curteouflye on the gates dange.

Forth came the Porter, wtb ftill fare, 135

Saying, " who is foe bold to knocke there ?"
Gawaine anfwered him curteouflye,
" Man," hee faid, " that is I.

Wee be 2 kts of Arthurs inn,

& a Bifhopp, no moe to min ; uo

Wee have rydden all day in the forreft ftill,

Till horffe & man beene like to fpill.

For Arthurs fake, y* is our kinge,

Wee defire my Lo : of a nights lodginge ;

& harborrow till the day at morne, i«

Yl wee may fcape1 away wtbout fcorne."

Then fpake the crabbed k* Sr Kay,

" Porter, our errand I reede the fay ;

Or elfe the caftle gate wee f hall breake,

& the keyes thereof to Arthur take." 150

The Porter fayd wth words throe,

" Theres no man alive, y1 dares doe foe ;

If2 a 100d fuch as thou his death had fworne,

Yett he wold ryde on hunting to-morne3."

Then anfwered Gawaine, yl was curteous aye, 155

" Porter, our errand I pray thee fay ;"

'Yes," faid the Porter, " wthouten fayle,
I fhall fay yor errand full well."

' (tape, MS. ■ Of, MS. ' to-momes, MS.

262 CARLE OF CARLILE.

As foone as the Porter the Carle fee,
Hee kneeled downe upon his knee ; —
[p. 451.] " Yonder beene 2 ku of Arthurs in,
& a Bifhopp, no more to myn.

They have roden all day in the forreft ftill,

Y* horffe [and] man is like to fpill ;

They defire you for Arthurs fake, then- K:

To grant them one nights lodginge ;

& herberrow till the day att morne,

Y' they may fcape ' away wttout fcorne."

" Noe thing greeves me," fayd the Carle, " wthout doubt,
But y* the5 kts ftand foe long wthout ;"
Wth yl the'2 Porter opened the gates wyde,
& the kts rode in y* tyde.

Their fteeds into the ftable are tane,
The kts into the hall are gone ;
Heere the Carle fate in his chaire on hye,
Wth his legg caft over the other knee.

His mouth was wyde, & his beard was gray,
His lockes on his fhoulders lay ;
Betweene his browes, certaine,
Itt was large there a fpann.

Wth 2 great even brening as fyer,
Lord ! hee was a lodlye fyer ;
Over his fholders he bore a bread,
3 taylors yards, as clarkes doe reade.

His fingars were like to tedder ftakes,

& his hands like breads y* wives may bake ;

1 feape, MS. 5 they, MS.

CARLE OF CARL1LE. 263

50 cubitts he was in height,
Lo : he was a lothefome wight !

When Sr Gawaine yl Carle fee,

He halfed1 him full eurteouflye ; 1911

& faith, « Carle of Carlile9, God fave thee,

As thou fitteth in thy profperitye !"

The Carle faid, " as cheif3 me fave,

Yee fhall be welcome for Arthurs fake ;

Yet is itt not my p4 to doe foe, 195

For Arthur hath beene ever my foe.

He hath beaten my kts & done them bale,

& fend them wounded to my owne hall ;

Yett the truth to tell I will not leane4,

I have quitt him the fame againe." 200

" Y1 is a kind of a knave," faid Kay, " wthout leasing,

Soe to revile a noble King ;"

Gawaine heard, & made anfwere,

" Kay, thou fayft more then meete were."

Wth y1 they went further into the hall, 205

Where bords were fpredd, & covered wth pall ;
& 4 welpes of great ire,
They found lying by the fire.

There was a beare y1 did rome,

& a bore, y* did whett his tufks fome ; 210

Abbe a bull, y* did rore,

& a lyon, yl did both gape & rore.

haltled, MS. - Callile, MS. ' Crift ? « leave, MS.

264 CARLE OF CARLILE.

The lyon did both gape & gren,
" O ! peace, whelpes," faid the Carle then ;
For y1 word y* the1 Carle did fpeake,
The 4 whelpes under the ' bord did creepe.

Downe came a lady faire & free,

& fett her on the Carles knee ;

One whiles fhee harped, another whiles fong,

Both of paramours & lovinge amonge.

" Well were yl man," faid Gawaine, " yl ere were borne,

Yl might lye wth y4 lady till day att morne ;"

" Y1 were great fhame," faid the Carle free,

" Y* thou fholdeft doe me fuch villanye."

" Sr," faid Gawaine, " I fayd nought,"—

" No, man," faid the Carle, " more thou thought."

Then ftart Kay to the flore,

& faid hee wold fee how his palfrey fore ;

Both corne & hay he found lyand,

& the Carles palfrey by his fteed did ftand.

Kay tooke the Carles palfrey by the necke,

& foone he thruft him out att the hecke ;

Thus Kay put the Carles fole out,

& on his backe he fett a clout.

Then the Carle himfelfe hee ftood thereby,

And fayd, " this buffett, man, thou f halt aby \"

[p. 452.] The Carle raught Kay fuch a rapp,
Y* backward he fell flatt ;
Had itt not beene for a feald of ftraw,
Kayes backe had gone in 2.

' they, MS.

CARLE OF CARLILE. 265

Then faid Kay, " & thou were wthout thy hold,
Man, this buffett fhold be dcere fold."
" What !" fayd the Carle, " doft thou menace me ?
I f\\ ere by all foules, fikerlye,

Man, 1 fwere further thore, 245

If I heere any malice more,

For this one word y* thou haft fpoken,

Itt is but erneft thou haft gotten."

Then went Kay into the hall,

& the Bifhopp to him can call ; 250

Saith, " Brother Kay, where have you2 beene ?" —

" To looke my palfrey, as I weene."

Then faid the Bifhopp, " itt falleth me,

Yt my palfrey I muft fee ;"

Both corne & hay he found lyand, 255

& the Carles palfrey, as 1 underftand.

The Bifhopp tooke the Carles horffe by the necke,

& foone hee thruft him out att the hecke ;

Thus he turned the Carles fole out,

& on his backe he fett a clout. 260

Sais, " wend forth, fole, in the devills way !
Who made the foe bold wth my palfrey ?"
The Carle himfelfe he ftood thereby, —
" Man, this buffett thou fhalt abuy3 !"

He hitt the Bifhopp upon the crowne, 265

Y' his miter & he fell downe ;

" Mercy," faid the Bifhopp, "lama clarke,

Somewhatt I can of Chrifts werke."

' you have, MS. ' abay, MS.

266 CARLE OF CARLILE.

He faith, " by the clergye I fett nothing,
Nor yett by thy miter, nor by thy ringe ;
It fitteth a clarke to be curteous & free,
By the conning of his clergy."

Wth yl the Bifhopp went into the hall,

& Sr Gawaine to him can call ;

Saith, " brother Bifhopp, where have you beene ?" —

" To looke my palfrey, as I weene."

Then fayd Sr Gawaine, " it falleth mee,
Y* my palfreye I muft needs fee ;"
Come & hay he found enoughe lyand,
& the Carles fole by his did ftand.

The Carles fole had beene forth in the raine,
Therof Sr Gawaine was not faine ;
Hee tooke his mantle, y* was of greene,
& covered the fole, as I weene.

Sayth, " ftand up, fole, & eate thy meate,
Thy Mr payeth for all yl wee heere gett ;"
The ' Carle himfelfe ftood thereby,
& thanked him of his curtefye.

The1 Carle tooke Gawaine by the hand,
& both together in the1 hall they wend;
The Carle2 called for a bowle of wine,
& foone they fettled them to dine.
70 bowles3 in y* bowle were
He was not weake y' did itt beare.

Then the1 Carle fett itt to his chin,
& faid, " to you I will begin."

1 they, MS. s Carles, MS. s gallon

CARLE OF CARLILE. 267

15 gallons he dranke y* tyde,

& raught to his men on every fide.

Then the ■ Carle faid to them anon,

" SiiTS, to i'upp gett you gom ;" 300

Gawaine anfwered the Carle then,

" Sr, att yor bidding wee will be ben."

" If you be bayne att my bidding,

You honor me, wthout leafinge ;" —

They wafhed all, & went to meate, 305

& dranke the wine yl was foe fweete.

The Carle faid to Gawaine anon,

" A long fpeare fee thou take in thy hand ;

Att the buttrye dorei take thou thy race,

& marke me well in middeft the face." 310

A ! thought Sr Kay, ye y4 were I,
Then his buffett he fhold deer abuy3 !
" Well," qth the Carle, ** when thou wilt, thou may,
When thou wilt thy ftrenght affay."

" Well Sr," faid Kay, " I faid nought,"— 315

[p. 453.] « Noe," faid the Carle, « but more thou thought."

Then Gawaine was full glad of yl,

& a long fpere in his hand he gatt ;

Att the buttery dore he tooke his race,

& marked the Carle in the middft the face. 320

The Carle faw Sr Gawaine come in ire,
& caft his head under his fpeare ;
Gawaine raught the wall fuch a rapp,
The fyer flew out, & the fpeare brake.

' they, MS. - doe. MS. " a buy, MS.

2 m 2

268 CARLE OF CARLILE.

He ftroke a foote into the wall of ftone,

A bolder Barron was there never none ;

" Soft," faid the Carle, " thou was to radd,"—

" I did but, Sr, as you me bade."

" If thou had hitt me, as thou had ment,

Thou had raught me a fell dint."

The ' Carle tooke Gawaine by the hand,
& both into a chamber they wend ;
A full faire bed there was fpred,
The Carles wiffe therin was laid.

The Carle2 faid, " Gawaine, of curtefye,
Gett into this bedd wth this faire ladye ;
Kiffe thou her 3se before mine eye,
Looke thou doe no other villanye."

The Carle opened the fheetes wyde,
Gawaine gott in by the ladyes fyde ;
Gawaine over he put his arme,
Wth y4 his flefh began to warme.

Gawaine had thought to have made in fare,
" Hold!" qth the Carle, " man, ftopp there3 ;
Itt were greet fhame," qth the4 Carle, " for me,
Y* thou fholdeft doe me fuch villanye.

But arife up, Gawaine, & goe wth me,

I fhall bring thee to a fairer lady then ev9 was fhee ;"

The4 Carle tooke Gawaine by the hand,

Both into another chamber they wend.

1 they, MS. 2 Carles, MS. 3 thee, MS.

" thev, MS.

CARLE OF CAKL1LE. 2G'J

A faire bedd there found they fpred,
& the Carles daughter therin laid;
Saith, " Gawaine, now, for thy curtefye,
Gett thee to bedd to this faire lady."

The Carle opened the fheetes wydc, 355

Sr Gawaine gott in by the ladyes fide ;

Gawaine put his arme over yl fweet thing,

" Sleepe, daughter," fais the Carle, " on my bleffing !"

The ' Carle turned his backe, & went his way,

& lockt the dore wth a filver kaye ; 360

On the other morning, when the Carle5 rofe,

Unto his daughters chamber he goes.

" Rise up, Sr Gawaine, & goe wth mee,

A marvelous fight I fhall lett thee fee ;"

The ' Carle tooke him by the hand, 365

& both into another chamber they wend.

& there they found many a bloody ferke,

Wch were wrought wth curyous werke ;

1500 dead mens bones3

They found upon a rooke att once. 370

" Alacke !" qth Sr Gawaine, " what have bene here ?"

Saith, " I & my welpes have flaine all there."

Then Sr Gawaine, curteous & kind,

He tooke his leave away to wend;

& thanked the ' Carle, & the ladyes there, 375

Right as they worthy were ;

" Nay," faid the Carle, " wee will firft dine,

& then thou fhalt goe w h bleffing mine."

1 they, MS. - Carles, MS. ' a bones, MS.

270 CARLE OF CARLILE.

After dinner, the footh to fay,
The Carle tooke Gawaine to a chamber gay ;
Where were hanginge fwords a-rowe1,
The Carle soone tooke one of tho.

& fayd to the k4 then,

" Gawaine, as thou art a man,

Take this fword, & ftryke of my head,"

" Nay," faid Gawaine, " I had rather be dead.

For I had rather fuffer pine & woe,

Or ev9 I wold y4 deede doe."

The Carle fayd to Sr Gawaine,
" Looke thou doe as I thee faine ;
& therof be not adread,
But fhortly finite of my head.

For if thou wilt not doe itt tyte,
Forfooth thy head I will of finyte ;"
[p. 454.] To the Carle faid Sr Gawaine,

" Sir, yo1' bidding fhall be done."

He ftroke the head the body froe,
& he ftood up a man thoe ;
Of the height of Sr Gawaine,
The certaine foothe, wthouten laine.

The Carle fayd, " Gawaine, God blefs thee !
For thou haft deliv ed mee ;
From all falfe3 witchcrafft
I am delir att the laft.

By nigromance thus was I fhapen,
Till a kl of the Round Table,

1 swords rowe, MS. : halfe, MS.

CARLE OF CARLILE. 271

Had \\th a fword fmitten of my head,
If he had grace to doe yl deede.

Itt is 40 winters agoe,

Since I was tranfformed foe ;

Since then none lodged wthin this woom1,

But I & my whelpes driven them downe,

& hut if hee did my bidding foone,

I killed him, & chew him downe.

Every one but only thee,

Chrift2 grant thee of his mercye !

He y* the world made, reward thee this,

For all my bale thou haft turned to bliffe.

Now will I leave y* lawe,

There fhall no man for me be flawe ;

& I purpofe for their fake,

A chantrey in this place to make ;

& 5 preifts to fing for aye,

Untill itt be doomes-day;

& Gawaine, for the love of thee,

Every one fhall bee welcome to mee."

Sr Gawaine & the young lady clere,
The Bifhopp wedded them in fere ;
The Carle gave him for his wedding,
A ftaffe. miter, & a ringe.

He gave Sr Kay, yl angry kl,

A blood-red fteede & a wight ;

He gave his daughter, the footh to fay,

An ambling white palfrey.

* Thrift, MS

272 CARLE OF CARLILE.

The faireft hee was on the mold,
Her palfrey was charged wth gold ;
Shee was foe gorgeous, & foe gay,
No man cold tell her array.

The Carle comanded Sr Gawaine to wend,

& fay unto Arthur our King,

& pray him y1 hee wold,

For his love yl Judas fold,

& for his fake yt in Bethelem was borne,

If hee wold dine wth him to-morne.

Sr Gawaine fayd the Carle unto,
" Forffooth I fhall yo1' meffage doe ;"
Then they rode finging by the way,
Wth the ladye, y* was gay.

They were as glad of y* lady bright,

As ever was fowle of the day-lyght ;

They told K : Arthur where they had beene,

& what adventures they had feene.

" I thanke God," fayd the K: " cozen Kay,

Y* thou didft on live p* away ;"

" Marry !" fayd Sr Kay againe,

" Of my lifTe ! I may be faine.

For his love y* was in Bethlem borne,

You muft dine wth the Carle to-morne."

In the dawning of the day they2 rode,
A merryer meeting was nev made ;
When they together were mett,
Itt was a good thing, I you hett.

1 lifte, MS. ' the, MS.

CARLE OF CARLILE. 273

The trumpetts plaid att the gate,

Wth trumpetts of f ilver theratt ' ;

There [was] all manner of minftrelfye, 46s

Harpe, gyttorne-, & fawtrye.

Into the hall the king was fett3,

& royallye in feat was fett ;

By then the dinner was readye dight,

Tables were covered all on height. 470

Then to wafh they wold not blinn,
& the feaft they can beginn ;
There they were mached arright,
Every lady againft a knight.

[p. 455.] & minftrells fate in windowes faire, 475

& playd on their inftruments cleere ;
Minftrells for worfhipp at every meffe,
Full lowd they cry Largeffe4 !

The Carle bade the K: doe gladly e,

" For heere yee gett great curtefye ;" 4so

The K: faid, " by S* Michaell !

This dinner liketh me full well."

He dubd the Carle a k* anon,

He gave him the county of Carlile foone ;

& made him erle of all yl land, 4ss

& after k* of the Table Round.

The K: faid, " kl, I tell thee,

Carlile fhall thy name bee."

1 therott, MS. '■ gyttorne, MS. 1 has fell, MS. * Largneffe, MS.

2 N

274 CARLE OF CARLILE.

When the dinner was all done,
Every k* tooke his leave foone ;
To wend forward, foberlye,
Home into their owne countrye.

He y* made us all wth his hand,
Both the fea & the land,
Grant us all, for his fake,
This falfe world to forfake ;

& out of this world when wee f hall wend,
To heavens bliffe our foules bringe ;
God grant us grace itt may foe bee !
Amen ! say all, for charitye.

FINIS.

No. VI.

fragment of tf)e Ballati of JUng 9Lrtf)ur
anti tj)e Htng of Comtoail*

[MS. Per- " f^i OME here my cozen, Gawain, fo gay,
c>> P- J ^^, ^jy fifter8 fonne be yee ;

For you fhall fee one of the faireft Round Tables,

That ever you fee wth your eye."

Then befpake [the] Lady Q. Guenever,

& thefe were the words faid fhee,

" I know where a Round Table is, thou noble K:

Is worth thy Round Table & other fuch 3.

The treftle that ftands under this Round Table," fhe faid,

" Lowe downe to the moidd,

It is worth thy Round Table, thou worthy K :

Thy halls, & all thy gold.

The place where this Round Table ftands in,
It is worth thy caftle, thy gold, thy fee ;
And all good Litle Britaine," —
" Where may that table be, Lady ?" qth hee,
2 n 2

276 FRAGMENT OF THE BALLAD OF KING

" Or where may all that goodly building be ?"
" You f hall it feeke," f hee fayd, " till you it find,
For you fhall never gett more of me."

Then befpake him noble K: Arthur,
Thefe were the words faid hee ;
" He make mine avow to God,
& alfoe to the Trinity,

He never fleepe one night, there as I doe another,
Till y* Round Table 1 fee ;
Sr Marramiles, & Sr Trifteram,
Fellowes y* ye fhall bee.

Weele be clad in palmers weede,

5 palmers we will bee ;

There is noe outlandifh man will us abide,

Nor will us come nye."

Then they rived eaft & they1 rived west,

In many a ftrange country.

Then they travelled5 a litle further,

They faw a battle new fett ;

" Now, by my faith," faies noble K : Arthur,

[Half a page in here torn away.]

[p. 25.] But when he came that caftle to,
& to the palace gate ;
Soe ready was ther a proud porter,
& met him foone therat.

1 the, MS. '- tranckled, MS.

ARTHUR AND THE KING OF CORNWALL. 277

Shoocs of gold the porter had on,
& all his other rayment was unto the fame ;
" Now, by my faith," faies noble K: Arthur,
" Yonder is a minion fwaine."

Then befpake noble K. Arthur, 45

These were the words fays hee,
" Come hither, thou proud porter,
I pray thee come hither to me.

1 have 2 poor rings of my finger,

The ' better of them lie give to thee ; 50

[To] tell who may be lord of this cattle," he faies,

" Or who is lord in this cuntry ?"

" Comewall K:" the porter fayes,

" There is none foe rich as hee ;

Neither in Chriftendome, nor yet in heathenneft, 55

None hath foe much gold as he."

& then befpake him noble K: Arthur,

Thefe were the words fayes hee,

" I have 2 poore rings of my finger,

The better of them He give thee, 60

If thou wilt greete him well, Comewall K :

& greete him well from me.

Pray him for one nights lodging, & 2 meales meate,

For his love that dyed uppon a tree ;

A bue2 ghefting, & 2 meales meate, 65

For his love that dyed uppon a tree.

A bue2 ghefting, &3 2 meales meate,
For his love that was of virgin borne,

1 they, MS. a Sic, MS. > of, MS.

278 FRAGMENT OF THE BALLAD OF KING

& in the morning yl we may fcape away,
Either wthout fcath or fcorne."

Then forth is ' gone this proud porter,
As faft as he cold hye ;
& when he came befor Cornewall K:
He kneeled downe on his knee.

Sayes, " 1 have beene porter, man, at thy gate,

[Half a pay e is wanting. ~\

p. 26.] our Lady was borne,

Then thought Cornewall K: thefe palmers had beene in Britt.

Then befpake him Cornewall King,
Thefe were the words he faid there ;
" Did you ever know a comely K :
His name was King Arthur?"

& then befpake him noble K: Arthur,
Thefe were the words faid hee ;
" I doe not know that comly K :
But once my felfe I did him fee."
Then befpake Cornwall K: againe,
Thefe were the words faid he.

Sayes, " 7 yeere I was clad & fed,
In Litle Brittaine, in a bower ;

' his, MS.

ARTHUR AND THE KING OF CORNWALL. 279

I had a daughter hy K: Arthurs wife, 90

It now is called my flower ;

For K: Arthur, that kindly cockward,

Hath none fuch in his bower.

For I durft fweare, and fave my othe,

Y' fame lady foe bright, 95

That a man y* were laid on his death-bed,

Wold open his eyes on her to have fight."

" Now, by my faith," fayes noble K: Arthur,

"& thats a full faire wight !"

& then befpake Cornewall [King] againe, 100

& thefe were the words he laid1,

" Come hither, 5 or 3 of my knights,

& feitch me downe my fteed ;

King Arthur, that foule cockeward,

Hath none fuch, if he had need. 100

For I can ryde him as far on a day,

As King Arthur can doe any of his on 3.

& is it not a pleafure for a K:

When he fhall ryde forth on his journey ?

For the eyes that beene in his head, 1 10

They5 glifter as doth the gleed ;" —

" Now, by my faith," fays noble King Arthur,

[Half a page is wanting.]

[p- 27.] No body

But one yu learned to fpeake.

laid he, MS. ■'- the, MS.

280 FRAGMENT OF THE BALLAD OF KING

Then K: Arthur to his bed was brought,
A greeived man was hee ;
& foe were al] his fellowes wth him,
From him they ' thought never to flee.

Then take they did that lodly boome*,
& under thrubchandler3 clofed was hee ;
& he was fet by K : Arthurs bed-fide,
To heere theire talke, & theire com'nye.

Y* he might come forth, & make proclamation,
Long before it was day ;
It was more for K: Corn walls pleafure,
Then it was for K : Arthurs pay.

& when K: Arthur on his bed was laid,

Thefe were the words faid hee ;

" He make mine avow to God,

& alfoe to the Trinity,

That lie be the bane of Cornwall kinge

Litle Brittaine or ever I fee !"

" It is an unadvifed vow," faies Gawaine the gay,

" As ever K : hard make I ;

But wee y* beene 5 chriftian men,

Of the chriften faith are wee ;

& we fhall fight againft anoynted K:

& all his armorie."

& then he fpake him noble Arthur,

& thefe were the words faid he ;

" Why, if thou be afraid, Sr Gawaine the gay,

Goe home, & drinke wine in thine owne country."

1 the, MS. - goome ? -- thrubchadler, MS.

ARTHUR AND THE KING OF CORNWALL. 28]

THE 3d. PARTE.

And then befpake Sr Gawaine the gay,

And thei'e were the words faid hee ;

" Nay, feeing you have made fuch a hearty vow,

Heere another vow make will I.

lie make mine avow to God,
& alfoe to the Trinity ;
Y' I will have yonder faire lady,
To Litle Brittaine wth mee.

He hose her hourly to my hurt ',
& wth her He worke my will ;

[Half a page is wanting.]

[p. 28.] Thefe were the words fayd hee ;

" Befor I wold wreftle wth yonder feend,
It is better be drowned in the fea."

And then befpake Sr Bredbeddle,

& thefe were the words faid he;

" Why, I will wreftle wth.yon lodly feend,

God ! my governor thou fhalt bee."

1 hart?
2 o

282 FRAGMENT OF THE BALLAD OF KING

Then befpake him noble Arthur,

& thefe were the ' words faid he ;

" What weapons wilt thou have, thou gentle knight,

I pray thee tell to me ?"

He fayes, " Collen brand He have in my hand,
& a Millaine knife faft be my knee ;
& a Danish axe faft in my hands,
Y4 a fure wreapon I thinke wilbe."

Then wth his Collen brand, y* he had in his hand,
The bunge of the trubchandler he burft in 3.
W1 that ftart out a lodly feend,
Wth 7 heads, & one body.

The fyer towards the element flew,
Out of his mouth, where was great plentie ;
The knight ftoode in the middle, & fought,
Y* it was great joy to fee.

Till his Collaine brand brake in his hand,
& his Millaine knife burft on his knee ;
& then the Danifli axe burft in his hand firft,
Y* a fure2 weapon he thought fhold be.

But now is the knight left wthout any weapone,

& alacke ! it was the more pitty ;

But a furer weapon then had he one,

Had never L: in Chriftentye.

& all was but one litle booke,

He found it by the fide of the fea.

He found it at the fea-fide,
Wrucked upp in a floode ;

1 they, MS. ' fur, MS.

ARTHUR AND THE KING OF CORNWALL. 283

Our L: had written it \vth his hands,
& fealed it wth his bloode.

[Half a page is wanting.]

[p. 29.] « That thou doe

But ly ftill in that wall of l'tone ;

Till I have beene wth noble K: Arthur,

& told him what I have done."

And when he came to the Ks chamber,

He cold of his curtefie ;

Sayes1, " fleep you, wake you, noble K : Arthur ?

& ever Jefus watch yee !"

" Nay, I am not fleeping, I am waking,"
Thefe were the words faid hee ;
" For thee I have card, how haft thou fared,
O! gentle knight, let me fee."

The knight wrought the K: his booke,
Bad him behold, reede, & fee ;
& ever he found it on the backfide of the leafe,
As noble Arthur wold wifn it to be.

& then befpake him K: Arthur,
" Alas ! thou gentle knight, how may this be,
That I might fee him in the fame lickneffe,
Yl he ftood unto thee ?"

' Saye, MS.
2 o 2

284 FRAGMENT OF THE BALLAD OF KING

& then befpake him the Greene Knight,
Thefe were the words faid hee ;
" If youle ftand ftifly in the battell ftronge,
For I have won all the victory."

Then befpake him the K: againe,

& thefe were the words faid hee ;

" If we ftand not ftifly in this battell ftrong,

Wee are worthy to be hanged all on a tree."

Then befpake him the Greene Knight,
Thefe were the words faid he ;
Saies, " I doe coniure thee, thou fowle feend,
In the fame lickneffe thou flood unto me."

Wth that ftart out a lodly feend,

Wth 7 heads, & one body ;

The fier towarde the element flaugh,

Out of his mouth, where was great plenty.

The knight ftood in the middle

[Half a page is wanting.']

[p- 300 the fpaee of an houre,

I know not what they did.

And then befpake him the Greene Knight,
& thefe were the words faid he ;
Saith, " I coniure thee, thou fowle feend,
Y' thou feitch downe the fteed y* we fee."

ARTHUR AND THE KING OF CORNWALL. 285

& then forth is gone Burlow-beanie,

As fad as he cold hie ;

& feitch he did that faire fteed, 2js

& came againe by & by.

Then befpake him Sr Marramile,

& thefe were the words faid hee ;

" Riding of this fteed, brother Bredbeddle,

The maftery belongs to me." 210

Marramiles tooke the fteed to his hand,
To ryd him he was full bold ;
He cold noe more make him goe,
Then a child of 3 yeere old.

He faid1 uppon him wth heele & hand, 245

Wth yard that was foe fell ;

" Helpe ! brother Bredbeddle," fays Marramile,

" For I thinke he be the devill of hell."

" Helpe ! brother Bredbeddle," fays Marramile,

" Helpe ! for Chrifts pittye ; 250

For wthout thy help, brother Bredbeddle,

He wall never be rydden for2 me."

Then befpake him Sr Bredbeddle,

Thefe were the words faid he ;

" I coniure thee, thou Burlow-beane3, 255

Thou tell me how this fteed was riddin in his country."

He faith, " there is a gold wand,

Stands in K: Cornwalls ftudy windowe.

' fayed, i. e . efsayed ? » p', i. e . pro or per, MS. 5 leane, MS.

286 FRAGMENT OF THE BALLAD OF KING

Let him take that wand in yl window,
& ftrike 3 ftrokes on that fteed;
& then he will fpring forth of his hand,
As fparke doth out of gleede."

Then befpake him the Greene Knight,

[Half a page is wanting.]

[p- 31.] A lowd blaft

& then befpake Sr Bredbeddle,
To the feend thefe words faid hee ;
Says, " I coniure thee, thou Burlow-beanie,
The powder-box thou feitch me."

Then forth is gone Burlow-beanie,
As faft as he cold hie ;
& feich he did the powder-box,
& came againe by & by.

Then Sr Trifteram tooke powder forth of y* box,
& blent it with warme fweet milke ;
& there put it unto the home,
& fwilled it about in that ilke.

Then he tooke the home in his hand,
& a lowd blaft he blew ;
He rent the home up to the midft,
All his fellowes this they ' knew.

1 the, MS.

ARTHUR AND THE KING OF CORNWALL. 287

Then befpake him the Greene Knight,
Thefe were the words faid he ;
Saies, " I coniure thee, thou Burlow-beanie,
Y* thou feitch me the fword that I fee."

Then forth is gone Burlow-beanie, 2B5

As faft as he cold hie ;

& feitch he did that faire fword,

& came againe by & by.

Then befpake him Sr Bredbeddle,

To the K : thefe words faid he ; *9U

" Take this fword in thy hand, thou noble K :

For the vowes fake yt thou made He give it thee ;

And goe ftrike off K: Cornewalls head,

In bed where ' he doth lye."

Then forth is gone noble K: Arthur, i95

As faft as he cold hye ;

& ftrucken he hath K: Corn walls head,

& came againe by & by.

He put the head upon a fwords point,

[The poem terminates here abruptly.]

were, MS.

No. VII.

fragment of tf)e jfflarriage of g>tr dilatoatne*

[MS. Per- "\J~ INGE Arthur hues in merry Carleile,
cy, p. 46.]

K

And feemely is to fee ;
And there he hath wth him Queene Genevr,
Y1 hride fo hright of blee.

And there he hath wth him Queene Genever,

Y' bride foe bright in bower ;
& all his barons about him ftoode,

Y* were both ftiffe & ftowre.

The K. kept a royall Chriftmaffe,

Of mirth & great honor ;
. . . when

[About nine stanzas wantingi\

[p 47.] " And bring me word what thing it is,
Y* women ' moft defire ;
This fhalbe thy ranfome, Arthur," he fayes,
" For He haue noe other hier."

1 Ye a woman, MS.

FRAGMENT OF THE MARRIAGE OF SIR GAWAINE. 289

K. Arthur then held vp his hands,

According thcne as was the law ;
He tooke his leaue of baron there,

And horn word can he draw.

And when he came to merry Carlile, 20

To his chamber he is gone ;
And ther came to him his cozen, Sr Gawaine,

As he did make his mone.

And there came to him his cozen Sr Gawaine ',

Yl was a curteous knight ; 25

" Why figh you foe fore, vnckle Arthur ?" he faid,

* Or who hath done thee vnright ?"

" O peace ! o peace ! thou gentle Gawaine,

Y* faire may thee be-fall ;
For if thou knew my fighing foe deepe, 30

Thou wold not meruaile att all.

For when I came to Tearne-wadling,

A bold barron there I fand ;
Wth a great club vpon his backe,

Standing ftiffe & ftrong. 36

And he afked me wether I wold fight,

Or from him I fhold be gone ;
Or2 elfe I muft him a ranfome pay,

& foe dept him from.

To fight wth him I faw uoe caufe, *o

Me thought it was not meet;
For he was ftiffe & ftrong wth all,

His ftrokes were nothing fweete.

' Cawaine, MS. * O, MS.

2 P

290 FRAGMENT OF THE MARRIAGE OF SIR GAWAINE.

Therfor this is my ranfome, Gawaine,

I ought to him to pay ;
I muft come againe, as I am fworne,

Vpon the Newyeers day.

And I muft bring him word what thing it is
[About nine stanzas wanting.']

[p. 48.] Then King Arthur dreft him for to ryde,
In one foe riche array ;
Toward the forefaid Tearne-wadling,
Y* he might keepe his day.

And as he rode over a more,

Hee fee a lady, where fhee fate ;

Betwixt an oke and a greene hollen,
She was cladd in red fcarlett.

Then there as fhold have ftood her mouth,
Then there was fett her eye ;

The other was in her forhead faft,
The way that fhe might fee.

Her nofe was crooked, and turnd outward,
Her mouth ftood foule a-wry;

A worfe formed lady then fhee was,
Neuer man faw wth his eye.

To halch vpon him, K. Arthur,

This lady was full faine ;
But K. Arthur had forgott his leffon,

What he fhold fay againe.

FRAGMENT OF THE MARRIAGE OF SIR GAWAINE. 291

" What knight art thou ?" the lady fayd,

" That wilt not fpeake to me ? 70

Of me [be] thou nothing difmayd,

Tho I be vgly to fee.

For I haue halched you curteouflye,

& you will not me againe ;
Yett I may happen, Sr Knight," f hee faid, 75

" To eafe thee of thy paine."

" Giue thou eafe me, lady," he faid,

" Or helpe me any thing,
Thou f halt haue gentle Gawaine, my cozen,

& marry him \vth a ring." so

" Why if I helpe thee not, thou noble K. Arthur,

Of thy owne hearts defiringe,
Of gentle Gawaine

[About nine stanzas wanting^

[p. 49.] And when he came to the Tearne-wadling,
The baron there cold he finde ' ;
Wth a great weapon on his backe,
Standing ftiffe & ftronge.

And then he tooke K. Arthurs letters in his hands,

& away he cold them fling ;
& then he puld out a good browne fword,

& cryd himfelfe a K.

1 friiide, MS.
2 p 2

292 FRAGMENT OF THE MARRIAGE OF SIR GAWAINE.

And he fayd, " I haue thee, & thy land, Arthur,

To doe as it pleafeth me ;
For this is not thy ranfome fure,

Therfore yeeld thee to me."

And then hefpoke him noble Arthur,

& bad him hold his hands ;
" & give me leave to fpeake my mind,

In defence of all my land."

He1 faid, " as I came over a more,

I fee a lady where f hee fate ;
Betweene an oke & a green hollen,

She was clad in red fcarlette.

And fhe fays a woman will haue her will,

& this is all her cheef defire ;
Doe me right, as thou art a baron of fckill,

This is thy ranfome, & all thy hyer."

He fayes, " an early vengeance light on her !

She walkes on yonder more ;
It was my fifter, that told thee this,

She is a miffhappen hore.

But heer He make mine avow to god,

To do her an euill turne ;
For an euer I may thate fowle theefe get,

In a fyer I will her burne."

[About nine stanzas wanting.]

The, MS.

FRAGMENT OF THE MARRIAGE OF SIR GAWAINE. 293

THE 2d. PART.

[p. 50.] Sir Lancelots & Sr Steven, bold,
They rode wth them that day ;
And the formoft of the company.
There rode the fteward Kay.

Soe did Sr Banier, & Sr Bore,
Sr Garrett wtu them, foe gay ;

Soe did Sr Trifteram, y* gentle k*,
To the forreft, frefh & gay.

And when he came to the greene forreft,
Vnderneath a greene holly tree ;

Their fate that lady in red fcarlet,
Y* vnseemly was to fee.

Sr Kay beheld this ladys face,
& looked vppon her fuire ; —

" Whofoeuer kiffes this lady," he fayes,
" Of his kiffe he ftands in feare !"

Sr Kay beheld the lady againe,

& looked vpon her fnout ;
" Whofoeuer kiffes this lady," he faies,

" Of his kiffe he ftands in doubt !"

" Peace, coz. Kay," then faid Sr Gawaine,

" Amend thee of thy Ufe ;
For there is a knight amongft us all,

Y* mult many her to his wife."

294 FRAGMENT OF THE MARRIAGE OF SIR GAWAINE.

" What ! wedd her to wiffe," then P Sr Kay,

" In the diuells name anon ;
Gett me a wiffe where ere I may,

For I had rather be flaine !"

Then fome ' tooke vp their hawkes in haft,

& fome tooke vp their hounds ;
& fome fware they wold not marry her,

For citty nor for towne.

And then be-fpake him noble K. Arthur,

& fware there, "by this day,
For a litle foule fight & mifliking,

[About nine stanzas wanting.]

[p. 51.] Then fhee faid, "choofe thee, gentle Gawaine,
Truth as I doe fay ;
Wether thou wilt haue me in this likneffe,
In the night, or elfe in the day."

And then befpake him gentle Gawaine,

Wth one foe mild of moode ;
Sayes, " well I know what I wold fay,

God grant it may be good !

To haue thee fowle in the night,

When I wth thee fhold play ;
Yet I had rather if I might,

Haue thee fowle in the day."

1 foome, MS.

FRAGMENT OF THE MARRIAGE OF SIR GAWAINE. 295

" What, when Lords goe wth ther feires1," fhee faid,

" Both to the ale & wine ;
Alas ! then I muft hyde my felfe, 165

I muft not goe withinne."

And then befpake him gentle Gawaine,

Said, "lady, thats but a fkill ;
And becaufe thou art my owne lady,

Thou fhalt haue all thy will." 170

Then fhee faid, " bleffed2 be thou, gentle Gawaine,

This day y* I thee fee ;
For as thou fee me att this time,

From henceforth J I wilbe.

My father was an old knight, 175

& yett it chanced foe ;
That he marryed a younge lady,

Y* brought me to this woe.

She witched me, being a faire young lady,

To the greene forreft to dwell ; iso

& there I muft walke in womans likneffe,

Moft like a feeind of hell.

She witched my brother to a Carlift B . . . .

[About ?iine stanzas wanting.']

[p. 52.] That looked foe foule, & that was wont,
On the wild more to goe.

1 feires, MS. ,J blefed, MS. 3 hencforth, MS,

296 FRAGMENT OF THE MARRIAGE OF SIR GAWAINE.

" Come kiffe her, brother Kay," then faid Sr Gawaine,

" & amend thee ' of thy liffe ;
I fweare this is the fame lady

Y* I marryed to my wiffe."

Sr Kay kiffed that lady bright,

Standing vpon his feete ;
He fayes, as he was trew knight,

The fpice was neuer foe fweete.

" Well, coz. Gawaine," faies Sr Kay,

" Thy chance is fallen arright ;
For thou haft gotten one of the faireft maids,

I euer faw wth my fight."

" It is my fortune," faid Sr Gawaine,

'•' For my vnckle Arthurs fake ;
I am glad as graffe wold be of rain,

Great joy that I may take."

Sr Gawaine tooke the lady by the one arme,

Sr Kay tooke her by the tother ;
They led her ftraight to K. Arthur,

As they were brother & brother.

K. Arthur welcomed them there all,

& foe did lady Geneuer, his queene;
Wth all the knights of the Round Table,

Moft feemly to be feene.

K. Arthur beheld that lady faire,

That was foe faire & bright ;
He thanked Chrift in Trinity,

For Sr Gawaine, that gentle knight.

' the, MS.

FRAGMENT OF THE MARRIAGE OF SIR GAWAINE. 297

Soc did the knights, both more and leffe,

lleioyced all that day ; 215

For the good chance y* hapened was,

To Sr Gawaine & his lady gay.

FINIS. »

» *

i

t*

* «

«c

2ji.

I

No. VIII.

Cj)e toetfopge of g>r tfiatom $ iBame ftagnell.

[MS. Raw- T YTHE1 and' liftenyth the HP of a lord' riche,,
foi.i28b.] ' J_^jThe while that he lyvid' was none hym liche.

Nether in bowre ne in halle ; —

In the tyme of Arthour9 thys adventure betyd,' —

And' of the greatt adventure that he hym felf dyd',

That kyng curteys & royatt,

**

Of alle kyngf Arture beryth the flowyr,

And' of alle knyghtod' he bare away the honor, «

Where foeu he wentt;

In hys contrey was no thyng butt chyvalry, #10

And' knyghtf were belovid' [by] that doughty,

For cowardf were eumore fhent.

Nowe wyft ye lyft a whyle to my talkyng,

I f haft you teft of Arthowre the kyng,

Howe ones hym befeft;

Oii huntyng he was in Inglefwod',

With alle his bold' knyghtf good', —

Nowe herkefi to my fpeft.

The kyng was fett att his treftyft-tree,

With his bowe to fie the wylde ven e,

And' hys lordf were fett hym befyde ;

As the kyng ftode, then was he ware,

Where a greatt hartt was and' a fayre,

' Klythe, MS.

♦

*

4

WEDDYNGE OF SYR GAWENEj 298 !

And' forth faft dyd' he glyde.

The hartt was in a braken feme, 2

And' hard' the houndf , and' ftode fun" derne,
Alle that fawe the kyng; —
" Hold' you ftylt, euy man,
And' I wort goo my felf, yf I cafi,

With craft of ftalkyng." 3-

[fol. 129.] The kyng in hys hand' toke a bowe, ,
And' wodmanly he ftowpyd' lowe,
To ftalk' vnto that dere ;
When that he cam the dere fun" nere,
The dere lept forth into a brere,
And eu the kyng went nere & nere.
So kyng Arthure went a whyle,
After the dere, I trowe, half a myle,
And' no mail with hym went ;
And' att the laft to the dere he lett flye,
And' fmote hym fore and' fewerly,
Suche grace God' hym fent.
Douii the dere tumblyd' fo deron,

4

* t

And' feft into a greatt brake of ferofi,

The kyng folowyd' fun" faft;

Anon the kyng both ferce & fen"

Was with the dere, and' dyd' hym fvelt1,

And' after the graffe he tafte.

As the kyng was with the dere alone,

Streyght ther ca to hym a quaynt grome, t 50

Armyd' weft and' fure ;

A knyght full ftrong, and' of greatt myght,

And' grymly wordf to the kyng he fayd', —

" Weft i-mett, kyng Arthor !

Thou haft me done wrong many a yere, 55

And' wofully I fhatt quytte the here,

I hold thy lyfe-days nygh done ;

1 ferve wett ?

2^2

298 b WEDDYNGE OF SYR GAWENE.

Thou haft gevyn my landf , in certayfi,
With greatt wrong vnto f Gawefi,

Whate fayest thou, kyng alone ?" 60

" Syr knyght, whate is thy name, with honor ? "
" Syr kyng," he fayd', " Grom fom Jour,
I teft the nowe with ryght." —
" A, $ Grom fom' , bethynk' the welt,

To fie me here honor getyft thou no deft, 65

[fol, l-'if'] Be-thynk' thf thou artt a knyght.
Yf thou fie me nowe in thys cafe,
Alle knyghtf woft refufe the in euy place,
That fhame fhaft neu the froo ;

Lett be thy wyft, and folowe \vytt, 70

And' that is amys I fhaft amend' itt,
And' thou wolt, or that I goo."
" Nay," fayd' f Grom9fom9f" by heuyfi kyng !
So fhalt thou nott fkape, withoute lefyng,

I haue the nowe att avaytt ; 75

Yf I fhold' lett the thus goo with mokery,
Anoder tyme thou wolt me defye,
Of that I fhaft nott faytt."
Now fayd' the kyng, " fo God' me faue,

Save my lyfe, and' whate thou wolt crave so

I fhaft now graunt itt the ;
Shame thou fhalt haue to fie me in ven e,
Thou armyd', and I clothyd' butt in grene, pde."
" Alle thys fhaft nott help the, fekyrly,

For I woft nother lond' ne gold' truly, ss

Butt yf thou graunt me att a certayfi day,
Suche as I fhatt fett, and' in thys fame araye."
" Yes," fayd' the kyng, " lo ! here my hand'."
" Ye, butt a-byde, kyng, and' here me a ftound'.
Fyrft thow fhalt fwere, vpofi my fword' broufi, 90

To fhewe me att thy comyng whate wemeil love beft in feld' and'
And' thou fhalt mete me here, with outen fend', [town ;

Evyfi att this day xij. monethes end';

* , .

WEDDYNGE OF SYR GAWENE. 298

v And' thou fhalt fwere vpofi my fwerd' good',

That of thy knyghtf fhatt none com w* the, by the rood'. 9!

Nowther frende ' ne freynd'.

And' yf thou bryng nott anfwere, with oute fay tt,
Thyne hed' thou fhalt lofe for thy travaytt, —
[i.. I. -129.] Thys fhaft nowe be thyne oth.

Whate fayft thou, kyng, lett fe, haue done." — i<x

" Syr, I graunt to thys, now lett me gone,

Though itt be to me futt loth.

I enfure the, as I am true kyng,

To com agayfi att thys xij. monethes end',

And' bryng the thyne anfwere." — io;

" Now go thy way, kyng Arthure,

Thy lyfe is in my hand' I am futt fure,

Of thy forowe thow artt nott ware.

Abyde, kyng Arthure, a lytett whyle,

Loke nott to day thou me begyle, nt

And' kepe alle thyng in clofe ;

For and' I wyft, by Mary mylde,

Thou woldyft betray me in the feld',

Thy lyf fyrft fholdyft thou lofe."

" Nay," fayd' kyng Arthure, " that may nott be, 115

Vntrewe knyght fhalt thou neu fynde me,

To dye yett were me lever ;

Farwett, f knyght, and' evytt mett,

I wott com, and' I be ofi lyve, att the day fett,

Though I fhold' fcape neu." la)

The kyng his bugle gan blowe,

That hard' euy knyght, and' itt gan knowe,

"Vnto hyrh can they rake ;

Ther they fond' the kyng and' the dere,

With fembland' fad' and' hevy chere, 12s

That had' no lfeft to layk'.

" Go we home nowe to Carlytt,

«t
' fremde ?

• #♦

*4K

298 d WEDDYNGE OF SYR GAWENE.

Thys huntyng lykys me nott weft," —
So fayd' kyng Arthure ;

Alle the lordf knewe by his counterfnce, M iso

[fol.»l29b.]That the kyng had' mett with fume dyfturbaunce.
Vnto Carlytt then the kyng cam,
Butt of his hevyneffe knewe no man,
His hartt was wonder hevy ;

In this hevyneffe he dyd' a-byde, iss

That many of his knyghtf m9velyd' that tyde.
Tyft att the laft i Gawefi
To the kyng he fayd' than,
" Syr, me marvaylyth ryght fore,

Whate thyng that thou forowyft fore." ho

Then anfweryd' the kyng as tyght,
" I fhatt the teft, gentytt Gawefi knyght.
In the foreft as I was this daye,

Ther I mett with a knyght in his araye, 145 +^

And' ftevn wordf to me he gafi fayn,
And' chargyd' me I f hold' hyin nott bewrayne ;
His counceft muft I kepe therfore,
Or els I am forfwore."

" Nay, drede you nott, lord', by Mary flower , 150

I afh nott that man that wold' you difhonor,
Nother by euyfi ne by moron." —
" Forsoth I was on huntyng in Inglefwod',
Thowe knoweft well I f lewe an hartt, by the rode,
Alle my fylf alon ; 155

Ther mett I with a knyght armyd' fure,
His name he told' me was f Grom fom Joure,
Therfor I make my mone.
Ther that knyght faft dyd' me threte,

And' wold' haue flayh me with greatt heatt, 160

But I fpaf fayre agayn ;
Wepyns mth me ther had' I none,
Alas ! my worf hypp' therfor is nowe gone." —
" What therof ? " fayd' Gawefi.

•* ***%»

WEDDYNGE OF SYR GAWENE.

298'

»

" What nedys more, I fhatt nott lye, 16s

He wold' haue flayn me ther with oute m cy,
ffol. 130.] And' that me was fuft loth ;

He made me to fwere that att the xij. monethes end',
That I fhold' mete hym ther in the fame kynde,
To that I plyght my trowith. 170

And' alfo I fhold' telt hym att the fame day,
Whate wemefi defyren mofte, in good faye,
My lyf els fhold' Ilefe1;
This oth I made vnto that knyght,
And' that I fhold' neu tett itt to no wight,
Of thys I myght nott chefe.
And' alfo I fhold' com in none oder araye,
But euyn as I was the fame daye ;
And' yf I faylyd' of myne anfwere,
* I wott I fhal be flayn ryght there.

Blame me nott though I be a wofuli man,
AUe thys is my drede and' fere."
^ " Ye, €, make good' chere, —
• Iiett make yor hors redy,

*

& To ryde into ftraunge contrey ;
And' eu wher as ye mete owther man or woman, in faye,
Ask' of theym whate thay therto faye.
And' I fhatt alfo ryde a noder waye,

And' enquere of euy man and' woman, and' gett whatt I may,
Of euy man and' womans anfwere,
And' in a boke I fhatt theyin wryte."
" I graunt," fayd' the kyng, as tyte,
" Ytt is wett advyfed, Gawen the good',
Evyfi by the holjirood' ! " —
Sone were they'2 both redy,
Gawen and' the kyng, wytterly.
The kyng rode on way, and' Gawen anoder,
And eu enquyred' of man, woman, and' other,

1 leve, MS. - the. MS.

? ♦

« * mm

298 f WEDDYNGE OF SYR GAWENE.

Whate wernen defyred' mofte dere.

Somme fayd' they lovyd' to be weft arayd', 200

Somme fayd' they lovyd' to be fayre prayed';
[fol. 130<>.] Somme fayd' they lovyd' a lufty man,

That in theyr armys can clypp' them and' kyffe them than ;

Somme fayd' one, fomme fayd' other,

And' fo had' Gawefi getyh many an anfwer . 205

By that Gaweii had' geteii whate he maye,

And' come agayfi by a certeyfi daye ;

Syr Gawefi had' goten anfwerys fo many,

That had' made a boke greatt, wytterly,

To the courte he cam agayfi ; 210

By that was the kyng comyfi with hys boke,

And' eyther on others pamplett dyd' loke, —

" Thys may nott fayd' '," fayd' Gawefi.

" By God'," fayd' the kyng, " I drede me fore,

I caft me to feke a lyteft more, 21s

In Ynglefwod' Foreft ;

I haue butt a moneth to my day fett,

I may hapen on fomme good' tydyngf to hytt,

Thys thynkyth me nowe beft."

"Do as ye lyft," then Gaweh fayd', 220

" What fo eu ye do I hold' me payd',

Hytt is good' to be fpyrryng ;

Doute you nott, lord', ye fhaft weft fpede,

Sume of yor fawes fhaft help att nede,

Els itt were yft lykyng." 225

Kyng Arthoure rode forth on the other day.

In to Ynglefwod' as hys gate laye, '

And' ther he mett with a lady ;

She was as vngoodly a creature,

As eu man fawe, withoute mefure, 230

Kyng Arthure m vaylyd' fecurly.

Her face was red\ her nofe fhotyd' withaft,

' faylle?

WEDDYNGE OF SYR GAWENE. 298'

Her mowitti wyde, her teth yalowe ou aft,
With bleryd' eyen gretter then a baft,

Her mowith was nott to lak' ; 235

[fol. 131.] Her teth hyng ou her1 lyppf?,

Her chekys fyde as wemens hyppf,

A lute fhe bare vpon her bak'.

Her nek' long and' therto greatt,

Her here cloteryd on an hepe, 240

In the f holders fhe was a yard5 brode,

Hangyng pappys to be an hors-lode,

And' lyke a barett fhe was made ;

And' to reherfe the fowlneffe of that lady,

Ther is no tung may teft, fecurly, 245

Of lothlyneffe inowgh fhe had'.

She fatt on a palfray was gay begofi,

With gold befett, and many a precious ftone,

Ther was an vnfemely fyght ;

So fowft a creature, with oute mefure, 250

To ryde fo gayly, I you enfure,

Ytt was no reafofi ne ryght.

She rode to Arthoure, and thus fhe fayd',

" God' fpede, kyng, I am weft payd',

That I haue with the mett ; 255

Speke with me, I rede, or thou goo,

For thy lyfe is in my hand', I warn the foo,

That fhalt thou fynde, and' I itt nott lett."

" Why, what wold' ye, lady, nowe with me ? "

" Syr, I wold' fayn nowe fpeke with the, 260

And teft the tydyngf good' ;

For alle the anfwerys that thou canft yelpe,

None of theyrh alle f haft the helpe,

That fhalt thou knowe, by the rood' !

Thou wenyft I knowe nott thy counceft, 265

But I warn the I knowe itt euy deaft,

' he, MS,
2q*

298 h WEDDYNGE OF SYR GAWENE.

Yf ' I help the nott thou art butt dead' ;
Graunt me, f kyng, butt one thyng,
[fol. I3lb.] And' for thy lyfe I make warrauntyng,
Or elh? thou fhalt lofe thy hed\"
" Whate mean you, lady, ten" me tyght,
For of thy wordf I haue great difpyte,
To you I haue no nede.
Whate is yor defyre, fayre lady,
Lett me wete fhortly,
Whate is yor meanyng ;
And' why my lyfe is in yor hand',
Ten" me, and' I fhaft you warraunt,
Alle yor oun afkyng ? "
" For foth," fayd' the lady, " I afh no qued',
Thou muft graunt me a knyght to wed',
His name is ( Gawefi ;
And' fuche couen°nt I woft make the,
Butt thorowe myne anfwei'e thy lyf fauyd' be,
Ellf lett my defyre be in vayne.
And' yf myne anfwere faue thy lyf',
Graunt me to be Gawens wyf,
Advyfe the nowe, ( kyng ;
For itt muft be fo, or thou artt butt dead',
Chofe nowe, for thou mayfte fone lofe thyne hed'.
Ten" me nowe in hying."

" Mary," fayd' the kyng, " I maye nott graunt the,
To make warrant f Gawefi to wed' the,
Alle lyeth in hym alon ;
Butt and' itt be fo, I woft do my labor,
In favyng of my lyfe to make itt secor,
To Gawefi woft I make my mone."
" Weft," fayd' f he, " nowe go home agayfi,
And' fayre wordf fpeke to f Gawefi,
For thy lyf' I may faue ;

1 In the MS. part of the previous line is carelessly repeated.

WEDDYNGE OF SYR GAWENE. 298 j

Though I be fouft, yett am I gaye,
Thourgh me thy lyfe faue he maye,
Or fewer thy deth to haue."
" Alas ! " he fayd', " now woo is me,

That I fhold' caufe Gawen to wed' the, 30;

[fol. 132.] For he wol be loth to faye naye ;
So foutt a lady as ye ar nowe one
Sawe I neu in my lyfe on ground' gone,
I nott whate I do may."

" No force, i kyng, though I be foutt, 31c

Choyfe for a make hath aii owtt,
Thou geteft of me no more ;
When thou comyft agayn to thyne anfwer ,
Ryght in this place I shatt mete the here,

Or ellf I wott thou artt lore V 3i<

" Now fareweft," fayd' the kyng, " lady,
" Ye, i," fhe fayd', " ther is a byrd' men caft an owtt2,
And' yett a lady I am ;" —
" Whate is yor name, I pray you tett me ? "

" Syr kyng, I hight dame Ragnett, truly, 32<

That neu yett begylyd' man."
" Dame Ragnett, nowe haue good' daye," —
" Syr kyng, God' fpede the on thy way,
Ryght here I fhaft the mete."

Thus they departyd' fayre and' wett, 325

The kyng full fone com to Carlytt,
And' his hartt hevy and' greatt.
The fyrfte man he mett was t" Gawefi,
That vnto the kyng thus gafi fayn,

" Syr, howe haue ye fped' ? " 330

" Forfoth," fayd' the kyng, " neu fo ytt,
Alas ! I am in poynt my felf to fpytt,
For nedely I moft be ded'."
" Nay," fayd' Gawen, " that may nott be,

> lore fowtt, MS. °- Sic MS.

2 Qa2

298 k WEDDYNGE OF SYR GAWENE.

I had' lever my felf be dead', fo mott I the,
Thys is ift tydand'."

" Gawefi, I mett to day with the fowlyft lady
That eu I fawe, Itenly ;
She fayd' to me my lyfe fhe wold' faue,
Butt fyrft fhe wold' the to husbond' haue ;
Wherfor I afh wo begofi,
Thus in my hartt I make my mone."
[fol. 132b-] « Ys this aft ? " then fayd' Gawefi,

" I fhaft wed' her and' wed' her agayfi,

Thowgh fhe were a fend' ;

Thowgh fhe were as fouft as Belfabub,

Her fhaft I wed', by the rood',

Or ellf were not I yor frende.

For ye ar my kyng with honor,

And' haue worfhypt me in many a ftowre,

Therfor fhaft I nott lett ;

To faue yor lyfe, lord', itt were my parte,

Or I were1 falfe and' a greatt coward',

And' my worfhypp' is the bett."

" I-wys, Gawefi, I mett her in Inglyfwod',

She told' me her name, by the rode,

That itt was dame Ragneft ;

She told' me butt I had' of her anfwere,

Ellf alle my laboure is neu the nere,

Thus fhe gafi me teft.

And butt yf her anfwer help me weft,

Ellf lett her haue her defyre no dele,

This was her covenant ;

And' yf her anfwere help me, and' none other,

Thefi wold' fhe haue you, here is alle to-geder,

That made fhe warraunt."

" As for this," fayd' Gawefi, " [it] fhaft nott lett,

I woft wed' her at whate time ye woft fett,

1 were I, MS.

WEDDYNGE OF SYR GAWENE. 298

I pray you make no care ;

For and' fhe were the niofte fowlyft wyght, 37c

That eu mefi myght fe with fyght,
For yor loue I woit nott fpare."
" Garam9cy, Gawen," then fayd' kyng Arthor,
" Of alle knyghtf thou bereft the flowre,

That eu yett I fond' ; 371

My worfhypp' and' my lyf' thou favyft for eu,
Therfore my loue fhaft nott frome the dyffevyr,
[fol. 133.] As I am kyng in lond'."

Then within v. or vj. days,

The kyng muft nedys goo his ways, 38c

To bere his anfwere ;

The kyng and' f Gawen rode oute of toun,

No man with them, butt they alone,

Neder ferre ne nere.

When the kyng was with in the Foreft, — 355

" Syr Gawen, farewell, I muft go weft,

Thou f halt no furder goo ; "

" My lord', God' fpede you on yor jorney,

I wold' I fhold' nowe ryde yor way,

For to departe I am ryght wo." 3ac

The kyng had' rydden butt a while,

Lyteft more then the fpace of a myle,

Or he mett dame Ragneft ; —

" A, f kyng, ye arre nowe welcu here,

I wott ye ryde to bere yor anfwere, 395

That wolt avaytt you no dele."

Nowe fayd' the kyng, " fith itt wott none other be,

Tell me yor anfwere nowe, and' my lyfe faue me,

Gawen fhaft you wed' ;

So he hath pmyfed' me my lyf to faue, 400

And' yor defyre nowe fhaft ye haue,

Both in bowre and' in bed'.

Therfore teft me nowe alle in haft,

Whate woft help now att laft,

298 m WEDDYNGE OF SYR GAWENE.

Haue done, I may nott tary ; " —

" Syr," quod' dame Ragneft, " nowe f halt thou knowe,
Whate wemeii defyren mofte, of high and' lowe,
From this I woft not varaye.
Summe men fayh, we defyre to be fayre,
Alfo we defyre to haue repayre,
Of diufe ftraunge men ;
Alfo we loue to haue luft in bed',
[fol. I33i>.] And' often we defyre to wed',
Thus ye men nott kefi1.
Yett we defyre a noder man thyng,
To be holden nott old', but freffhe and' yong ;
With flatryng, and' glosyng, and' quaynt gyn,
So ye men may vs wemeii eu wyfi,
Of whate ye woft crave.
Ye goo fuft nyfe, I woft nott lye,
Butt there is one thyng is alle oure fantafye,
And' that nowe fhatt ye knowe ;
We defyren of men, aboue alle man thyng,
To haue the foueynte, w'oute lefyng,

Of alle, both hygh and' lowe.

For where we haue foueynte alle is ourys,

Though a knygftt be neu fo ferys,

And' eu the maftry wynne ;

Of the mofte manlyeft is oure defyre,

To haue the foueynte of fuche a fyre,

Suche is oure crafte and' gynne.

Therfore wend', i kyng, on thy way,

And' teft that knyght, as I the faye,

That itt is as we defyrefi mofte ;

He wol be wroth and' vnfought,

And' curfe her faft, that itt the taught,

For his laboure is loft.

Go forth, i kyng, and' hold' pmyfe,

1 Sic MS.

WEDDYNGE OF SYR GAWENE. 298"

For thy lyfe is fure nowe in alle wyfe,

That dare I well vndertake." 440

The kyng rode forth a greatt fhake,
As faft as he myght gate ;
Thorowe myre, more., and' fenne,
VVhere as the place was fygnyd' and' fett then,
[fol. 134.] Evyfi there with f Grom9 he mett. 445

And' ftern wordf to the king he fpak' with that, —
" Com of, f kyng, nowe lett fe,
Of thyne anfwere whate itt f hal be,
For I am redy grathyd'."

The kyng pullyd' oute bokf twayne, — 450

" Syr, ther is myne anfwer9, I dare fayn,
For fomme woft help at nede."
Syr Grom' lokyd' on theyfh euychofi, —
" Nay, nay, f kyng, thou artt but a dead' man,
Therfor nowe fhalt thou blede." 455

" Abyde, $ Grom9," fayd' kyng Arthoure,
" I haue one anfwere fhaft make aft1 fure,"—
" Lett fe," then fayd' f Grom9 ;
" Or els, fo God' me help as I the fay,

Thy deth thou fhalt haue wl large paye, 460

I teft the nowe enfure."
Now fayd' the kyng, " I fe, as I geffe,
In the is butt a lyteft gentihieffe,
By God', that ay is helpand' !

Here is oure anfwere, and' that is alle, 465

That wemen defyren mofte fpeciaft,
Both of fre and' bond'.
I faye no more, butt aboue al thyng
Wemen defyre foueynte, for that is theyr lykyng,
And' that is ther moft defyre ; 47o

To have the rewtt of the manlyeft men,
And' then ar they welt, thus they me dyd' kefi,

1 ale, MS.

298° WEDDYNGE OF SYR GAWENE.

To rule the, Grom9 fyre."
" And' fhe that told' the nowe, £ Arthoure,
I pray to God', I maye fe her brefi on a fyre,
For that was my fufter dame Ragneft ;
[fol. 134».] That old' scott, God' geve her1 fhame !
EUf had' I made the fuft tame,
Nowe haue I loft moche travayft.
Go where thou wolt, kyng Arthoure,
For of me thou maifte be eu fure,
Alas ! that I eu fe this day ;
Nowe, weft I wott, myne enime thou wolt be,
And' att fuche a pryk' fhaft I neu gett the,
My fong may be weft-awaye ! "
" No," fayd' the kyng, " that make I warraunt,
Some harnys I woft haue to make me defendaunt,
That make I God' avowe !
In fuche a plyght fhallt thou neu me fynde,
And' yf thou do, lett me bete and' bynde,
As is for thy beft prouf 8."
" Nowe haue good' day," fayd' £ Grom ,
" Farewell," fayd' £ Arthoure, " fo mott I the,
I am glad' I haue fo fped'." —
King Arthoure turnyd' hys hors into the playii,
And' fone he mett with dame Ragneft agayn,
In the fame place and' ftede.
" Syr kyng, I am glad' ye haue fped' well,
I told' howe itt wold' be, euy deft,
Nowe hold' that ye haue hyght ;
Syfi I haue fauyd' yor lyf', and' none other,
Gawen muft me wed', £ Arthoure,
That is a fuft gentift knyght."
" No, lady, that I you higftt I fhaft not fayft,
So ye wol be rulyd' by my cownceft,
Yor wift then fhaft ye haue ;" —

1 he, MS. s prow ?

WEDDYNGE OF SYR GAWENE. 298 P

" Nay, f kyng, nowe woft I nott foo,
Openly I wol be weddyd' or I parte the froo,
[fol. 135.] Elle fhame woft ye haue.

Ryde before, and' I woft com after,
Vnto thy courte, #' kynge Arthoure,
Of no man I wott fhame ;
Be-thynk' you howe I haue fauyd' yor lyf,
Therfor with me nowe fhatt ye nott ftryfe,
For and' ye do, ye be to blame."
The kyng of her had' greatt fhame,
But forth fhe rood', though he were grevyd' ;
Tytt they cam to Karlyle forth they mevyd'.
In to the courte fhe rode hyfn by,
For no man wold' fhe fpare, fecurly,
Itt likyd' the kyng fuft ytt.
Alle the contraye had' wonder greatt,
Fro whens fhe com, that foule vnfwete,
They fawe neu of fo fowtt a thyng ;
In to the hatt fhe went, in certefi, —
" Arthoure kyng, lett fetche me i Gaweyfi,
Before the knyghtf , alle in hying.
That I may nowe be made fekyr,
In welle and' wo trowith plyght va togeder,
Before alle thy chyvalry ;
This is yor graunt, lett fe, haue done,
Sett forth f Gawefi, my love, anofi,
For lenger tarying kepe nott I."
Then cam forth f Gawefi the knyght, —
" Syr, I am redy of that I you hyght,
Alle forward? to fulfytt;"
" Godhauem cy," fayd' dame Ragnett thefi,
" For thy fake I wold' I were a fayre woman,
[fol. I35b.] For thou art of fo good' wytt."

Ther f Gawefi to her his trowth plyght,
In weft and' in woo, as he was a true knyght,
Thefi was dame Ragneft fayfi ;
2 Qb

298 q WEDDYNGE OF SYR GAWENE.

" Alas !" then fayd' dame Gaynor,
So fayd' alle the ladyes in her bower,
And' wept for £ Gawefi.
"Alas!" then fayd' both kyng and' knyght,
That eu he fhold' wed' fuch a wyght,
She was fo fowft and' horyble ;
She had' two teth on euy fyde,
As borys tuskf, I won" nott hyde,
Of length a large handfun".
The one tufk' went up, and the other doufi,
A mowth fun" wyde, and' fowl! igrowfi,
With grey herys many on ;
Her lyppf lay lumpryd' on her chyfi,
Nek* forsoth on her was none ifeefi,
She was a lothly oii !
She wold' nott be weddyd' in no man ,
Butt tliere were made a krye in alle the fhyre,
Both in town and' in borowe ;
Alle the ladyes nowe of the lond',
She lett kry to com to hand',
To kepe that brydalle thorowe.
So itt befyft after ofi a daye,
That maryed' fhold' be that fowft [lady]
Vnto £ Gaweyfi ;

The daye was ciimyfi the daye fhold' be,
Therof the ladyes had' greatt pitey,
" Alas ! " then gail they fayfi.
The queen prayd' dame Ragnett, fekerly,
[fol. 136.] To be maryed' in the mornyng erly,
As pryvaly as we may ;
" Nay," fhe fayd', " by hevyn kyng !
That won" I neu , for no thyng,
For ought that ye can faye.
I wol be weddyd' alle openly,
For with the kyng fuche covenant made I,
T putt you oute "f dowte ;

WEDDYNGE OF SYR GAWENE. 298'

I wott nott to church tyft high maffe tyme,

And' in the open halle I woit dyne, 5«

In myddys of allc the rowte."
" I am greed'," fayd' dame Gaynor,
" Butt me wold' thynk' more honor,
And yor worfhypp' mofte ;" —

" Ye, as for that, lady, God' you faue, 5«

This daye my worfhypp' woft I haue,
I tell you withoute bofte."
She made her redy to church to fare,
And' alle the Statf that there ware,

Syrs, withoute lefyng ; 59(

She was arayd' in the richeft man ,
More freffher than dame Gaynor.
Her arayment was worth iij m1' mark',
Of good' red' nobles ftyff and' ftark',

So rychely fhe was begofi ; 5«

For alle her rayment fhe hare the belt
Of fowlneffe, that eu I hard' ten",
So fowft a fowe fawe neu man.
For to make a fhortt conclufiofi,
[fol. 136b.] When fhe was weddyd', they hyed' theyfh home, 6w

To mete alle they went ;
This fowft lady bygah the high defe,
She was fuft fouft, and' nott curteys,
So fayd' they alle, verament.

When the fuyce cam her before, eoj

She ete as moche as yj. that ther wore,
That mPvaylyd' many a man ;
Her naylys were long ynchys iije,
Therwith fhe breke her mete vngoodly,

Therfore fhe ete alone. 6w

She ette uje. capons, and' alfo curlues iije,
And' greatt hake metf fhe ete vp, pde,
Al men therof had' m vaytt ;
Ther was no mete ca her before,
2 Qb2

298 s WEDDYNGE OF SYR GAWENE.

Butt fhe ete itt vp, leffe and' more,

That praty fowti" damefett.

Aft men then that eu her fawe,

Bad' the devift her bonys gnawe,

Both knyght and fquyre ;

So fhe ete tytt mete was done,

Tyft they drewe clothes, and' had' waffhen,

As is the gyfe and' man .

Meny men wold' fpeke of diufe fuice,

I trowe ye may wete inowgh ther was,

Both of tame and' wylde ;

In king Arthours courte ther was no wontt,

That myght be gotten with mannys hond',

Noder in foreft ne in feld'.

Ther were mynftrallf of diufe contrey

[A leaf here is wanting.']

[fol. 137.] " A, f Gawefi, fyn I haue you wed',
Shewe me yor cortefy in bed',
With ryght itt may nott be denyed'.
I-wyfe, £ Gawefi," that lady fayd',
" And' I were fayre, ye wold' do a noder brayd',
Butt of wedlok' ye take no hed' ;
Yett for Arthours fake, kyffe me att the lefte,
I pray you do this att my requeft,
Lett fe, howe ye can fpede."
f Gawefi fayd', " I woft do more
Then for to kyffe, and' God' before ! "
He turnyd' hym her vntift ;
He fawe her the fayreft creature,
That eu he fawe, withoute mefure, —

WEDDYNGE OF SYR GAWENE. 298 '

She fayd', " whatt is yor wyit ? "

" A, Ihu ! " he l fayd', « whate ar ye ? " 6*5

" f, I am yor wyf ' , fecurly,
Why ar ye fo unkynde ? "
" A, lady, I am to blame,
I cry you m9cy, my fayre madame,

Itt was nott iu my mynde. 650

A lady ye ar fayre in my fyght,
And' to day ye were the foulyft wyght,
That eii I fawe with myne ie2;
Wele is me, my lady, I haue you thus," —

And' brafyd' her in his armys, and' gafi her kyffe, 655

And' made greatt joye, fycurly.
" Syr," f he fayd', " thus fhatt ye me haue,
Chefe of the one, fo God' me faue,
My beawty woft nott hold' ;

Wheder ye wott haue me fayre on nyghtf3. 660

And' as fouft on days to alle men f ightf ;
[fol. 137".] Or els to haue me fayre ofi days,

And' ofi nyghtf on the fowlyft wyfe,

The one ye muft nedf haue ;

Chefe the one or the oder, 665

Chefe on, f knyght, which you is leu,

Yor worf hypp' for to faue."

" Alas ! " fayd' Gawefi, " the choyfe is hard',

To chefe the beft itt is froward',

Wheder choyfe that I chefe ; 6?o

To haue you fayre on nyghtf and' no more,

That wold' greve my hartt ryght fore,

And' my worfhypp' fhold' I lefe4.

And' yf I defyre on days to haue you fayre,

Then oil nyghtf I fhold' haue a fymple repayre, 675

Now fayn wold' I chofe the beft ;

I ne wott in thys world' whate I fhatt faye,

1 fhe, MS. * ien, MS. s nyght, MS. * lofe, MS.

298 u WEDDYNGE OF SYR GAWENE.

Butt do as ye lyft nowe, my lady gaye,
The choyfe I putt in yor fyft.
Euyfi as ye woii I putt itt in yor hand',
Lofe me when ye lyft, for I afh bond',
I putt the choyfe in you ;
Both body and' goodf, hartt, and' euy dele,
Ys alle yor oufi, for to by and' fell,
That make I God' avove ! "
" Garam cy, eorteys knyght," fayd' the lady,
" Of alle erthly knyght f blyffyd' mott thou be,
For now afh I worfhyppyd' ;
Thou fhali haue me fayre both day and' nyght,
And' eu whyle I lyve as fayre and' bryght,
Therfore be nott greuyd'.
For I was fhapefi by nygramancy,
With my ftepdame, God' haue ofi her m cy !
And' by enchauntement ;
And' fhold' haue bene oderwyse vnderftond',
Euyfi tyft the beft of Englond'
[fol. 138.] Had' wedyd' me, verament.

And' alfo he fhold' geve me the foueynte,

Of alle his body and' goodf , fycurly,

Thus was I difformyd' ;

And' thou, € knyght, curteys Gawefi,

Has ge\yfi me the foueynte, fteyn,

That wott not wroth the erly ne late.

Kyffe me, £ knyght, euyfi now here,

I pray the, be glad', and' make good' chere,

For well is me begofi" ; —

Ther they made joye, oute of mynde,

So was itt reason and' cors of kynde,

They two theym felf alone.

She thankyd' God' and' Mary mylde,

She was recoud' of that that f he was defoylyd'",

So dyd' f Gawefi ;

He made myrth alle in her boure,

WEDDYNGE OF SYR GAWENE. 298'

And' thankyd' of alle oure Sauyoure,

I tuft you, in certeyfi. 71

With joye & myrth they wakyd" tyft ilaye,
And' than wold' ryfe that fayre maye1,
" Ye fhaft nott," ( Gawefi fayd' ;
" We woft lye, & flcpe tyft pryme,

And' then lett the kyng caft vs to dyne," — 72

" I aih greed'," then fayd' the mayd'.
Thus itt paffyd' forth tyft niid-daye, —
" Syrs-," quod' the kyng, " lett vs go and' afaye,
Yf ( Gawefi be on ly ve ;

I afh futt ferd' of $ Gawefi, 72

Nowe left the fende haue hym flayfi,
Nowe wold' I fayii preve.
Go we nowe," fayd' Arthoure the kyng,
" We woft go fe theyr vpryfyng,
[fol. 138 ".] Howe weft that he hath fped' ;"— 73

They cam to the chambre, alle in certeyn,
" Aryfe," fayd' the kyng to $ Gawefi,
" Why flepyft thou fo long in bed' ?"
" Mary," quod' Gawen, " £ kyng, ficurly,

I wold' be glad' and' ye wold' lett me be, 7;

For I am futt weft att eas ;
Abyde, ye fhaft fe the dore vndone,
I trowe that ye woft fay I afh weft goofi,
I am fuft loth to ryfe."
Syr Gawefi rofe, and' in his hand' he toke
His fayr lady, and' to the dore he fhoke,
And' opynyd' the dore fuft fayre ;
She ftod' in her fmok' alle by that fyre,
Her her3 was to her knees as red' as gold' wyre, —
" Lo ! this is my repayre. 7-

Lo ! " fayd' Gawen Arthoure vntift,
" Syr, this is my wyfe, dame Ragneft,
That fauyd' onys yor lyfe ;" —

' mayd, MS. 2 Syr, MS. 3 hed, MS.

298 w WEDDYNGE OF SYR GAWENE.

He told' the kyng and' the queen hem beforfi,
Howe fodenly from her fhap fhe dyd' tome,
" My lord', nowe be yor leve."
And' whate was the caufe fhe forfhapen was,
Syr Gawen told' the kyng, both more and' leffe,
" I thank' God'," fayd' the queen ;
" I wenyd', f Gawen, fhe wold' the haue myfcaryed',
Therfore in my hartt I was fore agrevyd',
Butt the contrary is here feefi."
Ther was game, reveft, and' playe,
And' euy man to other gafi faye,
" She is a fayre wyght ;"
Than the kyng theyfh alle gan teft,
How did' held' hyrh att nede dame Ragneft,
" Or my deth had' bene dyght."
Ther the kyng told' the queen, by the rood',
Howe he was beftad' in Inglefwod',
[fol. 139.] With $ Grom9 fom9 Joure ;

And' whate othe the kngyht made hyrh fwere,

" Or ellf he had' slayfi me ryght there,

W'oute m cy or mefure.

This fame lady, dame Ragneft,

From my deth fhe dyd' help me ryght weft,

Alle for the love of Gawen ; " —

Then Gawen told' the king alle to-geder,

Howe forfhapen fhe was with her ftepmoder

Tyft a knyght had' holpefi her agayfi.

Ther fhe told' the kyng fayre and' welt,

How Gawen gave her the foueynte euy deft,

And' whate choyfe fhe gave to hyfh ; —

" God' thank' hyrh of his curtesye,

He favid' me from chaunce and' vilony,

That was fuft foutt and' gryrh.

Therfore, curteys knyght and' hend' Gawen,

Shaft I neu wrath the, fteyn,

That pmyfe nowe here I make ;

Whille that I lyve I fhal be obayfaunt,

WEDDYNGE OF SYR GAWENE.

To God' aboue I fhatt itt warraunt,

And' neu with you to debate."

" Garam9cy, lady," then fayd' Gawefi,

" W* you I hold' me fuft weft content,

And' that I truft to fynde ;"—

He fayd', « my loue fhatt fhe haue,

Therafter nede fhe neS more craue,

For fhe hath bene to me fo kynde."

The queen fayd', and' the ladyes alle,

" She is the fayreft nowe in this halle,

I fwere by Seynt John !—

My loue, lady, ye fhatt haue eu,

For that ye favid' my lord' Arthoure,

As I am a gentilwoman."

Syr Gawefi gatt on her Gyngolyn,

[fol. 1.39b.] That wag a gQod, knyght Qf ftreng'th and,

And' of the Table Round' ;

Att euy greatt feft that lady fhold' be,

Of fayrneffe fhe bare away the bewtye,

Wher fhe yed' on the ground'.

Gawefi louyd' that lady, dame Ragneft,

In alle his lyfe he louyd' none fo weft,

I teft you, withoute lefyng ;
. As^a coward' he lay by her both day and' nyght,
Neu wold' he haunt justyng aryght,
Ther att m9vaylyd' Arthoure the kyng1.
She prayd' the kyng, for his gentilnes,
To be good' lord' to £ Grom9 i-wyffe,
Of that to you he hath offendyd';—
" Yes, lady, that shaft I nowe, for yor fake,
For I wott weft he may nott amend? make,
He dyd' to me fuft vnhend'."
Nowe for to make you a fhort conclufyofi,
I caft me for to make an end' fuft fone,
Of this gentyft lady ;

' kyng Arthoure, MS.
2 Qc

293 :

298 y WEDDYNGE OF SYR GAWENE.

She lyvyd' with $ Gawen butt yerys v.
That grevyd' Gawen alle his lyfe,
I ten" you, fecurly.
In her lyfe fhe grevyd' hym neu,
Therfor was neu woman to hym lever,
Thus leves my talkyng ;
She was the fayreft lady of all1 Englond',
When fhe was on lyve, I vnderstond',
So fayd' Arthoure the kyng.
Thus endyth the aduenture of kyng Arthoure,
That oft in his days was grevyd' fore,
And' of the weddyng of Gawefi ;
Gawen was weddyd' oft in his days,
Butt fo welt he neu lovyd' woman always,
As I haue hard' men fayfi.
This aduenture befell in Inglefwod',
[fol. ho ] As good' kynge Arthoure ofi huntyng yod',
Thus haue I hard' men tell;
Nowe, God', as thou were in Bethleme born,
Suffer neu her foules be forlorne,
In the brynnyng fyre of hell !
And', Ihu, as thou were borne of a virgyfi,
Help hym oute of forowe, that this tale dyd' devyne,
And' that nowe in alle haft ;
For he is be-fett with gaylours many,
That kepefi hym full fewerly,
With wyles wrong & wrafte.
Nowe, God', as thou art veray kyng ryoalt,
Help hym oute of daunger that made this tale,
For therin he hath bene long ;
And' of greatt pety help thy fu"nt,
For body & foult I yeld' into thyne hand',
For paynes he hath ftrong.

Here endyth the weddyng of Syr Gawen and Dame RagneH,fvr
helpyng of Kyng Arthoure.

' ale, MS.

NOTES.

&)>t <§atoapn anti tjje <3tmt iin^t.

THIS curious poem is printed for the first time from a manuscript, believed to
be unique, preserved in the Cottonian Collection, and marked Nero, A. x
The volume had undoubtedly been seen by Warton, since he quotes some other
pieces contained in it1, and it is singular he should not have noticed the poem in
question, which he seems to have confounded with a preceding one, on a totally
different subject. The same error, indeed, pervades the Cottonian Catalogues com-
piled by Smith in 1696, and by Planta in 1802 ; and to this cause, in all probability,
may be ascribed the oblivion in which for so long a period such a remarkable compo-
sition should have remained. Accident, however, threw it in the way of Mr. Price,
the able editor of Warton, who extracted a passage in illustration of his argument
against the Scotish authorship of Sir Tristrem, and announced his intention of pub-
lishing the entire Romance, under the designation of " Aunter of Sir Gawaine,"
in an octavo volume, to be intitled " Illustrations of Warton's History of English
Poetry;" but which he relinquished some time previous to his decease2. Price,
however, omitted all reference to the MS. containing the poem, and the same chance
which had brought it under his notice subsequently made it known to myself and
to Mr. Stevenson, the latter of whom frequently quotes it in his additions to

1 History of English Poetry, vol. iii. pp. 107, 108, ed. 4to, 1781 ; and vol. iii. p. 393, ed.8vo, 1824.
- See H. E. P. Preface, p. 17, vol. i. p. 187 j aud Advertisement annexed at the end of vol. iv.

2q2

300 NOTES.

Boucher's Glossary '. A transcript was made by rue shortly after the discovery, and
the subject of the romance communicated in October, 1829, to Sir Walter Scott,
who with his well-known courtesy, and zeal in the cause of ancient Scotish literature,
at once proposed to have it edited, together with the similar poems of The Awntyrs
of Arthure, and Golagros and Gawane, by subscription. I subsequently received
from Sir Walter, during his visit to London, in October, 1831, permission to dedi-
cate the work to himself; and a prospectus was circulated- containing proposals
of publication, which circumstances afterwards prevented being carried into effect.
To those noblemen and gentlemen who on that occasion sent me their names, I
have never hitherto had an opportunity of expressing my thanks, and although
tardy they are not the less sincere.

Having said thus much to account for the non-appearance of the poem in print,
previous to its being so liberally taken under the patronage of the Bannatyne Club,
I shall proceed to discuss briefly the questions which arise respecting the age of this
composition, its author, and the sources whence it was derived.

Warton, in quoting two poems in the same volume, written by the same hand as
the present, assigns them to the age of Minot, i. e. to the middle of the fourteenth
century, and adds, that the writing cannot be later than the reign of Edward III.
But the historian of English poetry is too poor a critic in matters of this kind to
cause any weight to be attached to his opinion, unless supported by other evidence.
His editor, Price, was evidently inclined to give the poem a much greater anti-
quity, and thewhole scope of his argument would refer it to the thirteenth century,
previous to the time of Robert de Brunne. " It abounds," says this ingenious
writer, in those " selcouth names which in the fourteenth century were rapidly growing
into disuse, and which were only retained by the writers in alliterative metre." To
refute this notion, which has been adopted too hastily by the Rev. W. Conybeare3
and Mr. Laing4, there is abundant evidence in the poem itself, independent of the
proofs afforded by the language and metrical structure. Stevenson merely notices
that the poem was "probably written about the end of the fourteenth century \"
and Guest, who is the latest writer on the subject, says, that the MS. " certainly
belongs to the latter half of the fourteenth century," which he modifies in another

1 This new edition of Boucher, under the superintendence of the Rev. Joseph Hunter, and Joseph
Stevenson, Esq., came out in 1832. Only two parts, extendingto the middle of letter B, have hitherto

5 The work had previously been proposed to Messrs. Longman and Co., and Mr. Murray. The
former party civilly declined it, but the latter never even took the trouble to answer the letter !
» nimtratians of A. S. Poetry, p. lxix, 8vo, 1826.
* Poems of Dunbar, vol. i. p. 38, 8vo, 1834. 5 Add. to Boucher, voce Balye.

NOTES. 301

passage to "about the year 14001." It will not be difficult from a eareful inspection
of the manuscript itself, both in regard to the writing and illuminations, to assign
it to the reign of Richard the Second; and the internal evidence, arising from
the peculiarities of costume, armour, and architecture, would lead us to assign the
romance to the same period, or a little earlier. There are three other metrical
pieces in the volume3, all most unquestionably composed by the author of the ro-
mance, and these I have carefully read over with the hope of detecting some more
direct indication of the age, but without success. Jean de Meting is indeed referred
to, in fob 71 b, under his surname of Clopinel, in the following lines :

For Clopyngnel in the corapas of his clene Rose,
Ther he expoune; a speche to hym that spede wolde,
Of a lady to be loued, loke to hir sone,
Of wich beryng that ho be, & wych ho best louyes. etc.

But as this writer completed, before the year 1300, the Roman de la Rose, com-
menced by Guillaume de Lorris, it will only prove the popularity of the work in
Scotland as well as in England, during the course of the fourteenth century. In
another passage the author alludes to a proverbial phrase,

Thay blwe a boffet in blande, that banned peple,

That thay blustered as blynde as Bayard teat) euei . — fob 69.

Yet since this proverb is also found in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, nothing can
be inferred from the contemporaneous use of a saying, of which the origin is too
obscure to assist our inquiry.

In regard to the author of these poems much uncertainty also exists. There is
sufficient internal evidence of their being Northern, although the manuscript con-
taining thein appears to have been written by a scribe of the midland counties,
which will account for the introduction of forms differing from those used by
writers beyond the Tweed.

It is, I think, certain, that the writer of the romance must have been a man of
birth and education, for none but a person intimately versed in the gentle science
of wode-craft could so minutely describe the various sports of the chase, nor could
any but an educated individual have been so well acquainted with the early French

1 See History of English Rhythms, vol. ii. pp. 159, 171, note, Svo, 1838.

2 These all possess great merit, and deserve to be printed as the remains of one of the earliest
existing Scotish poets.

302 NOTES.

literature. Of his poetical talent the pieces contained in the manuscript afford un-
questionable proofs, and the descriptions of thechange of the seasons', the bitter aspect
of winter-, the tempest which preceded the destruction of Sodom and Gomorra3
and the sea-storm occasioned by the wickedness of Jonas4, are equal to any similar
passages in Douglas or Spenser. The individual who has the best claim to be re-
cognised as the author, is " Huchowne of the Awle Ryale," mentioned by Wyn-
town 5, who writes of him thus :

Men of gud dyscretyowne

Suld excuse and loue Huchowne,
That cunnand wes in literature ;
He made the Gret Gest of Arthur?,
And the Aw.ntyre of Gawane,
The Pystyl als of swete Swsane.
He wes curyws in hys style,
Fayre of faeund, and subtile,
And ay to plesans and delyte
Made in metyre mete his dyte6.

Mr. Chalmers was of opinion, that this Huchowne and the Sir Hugh of Eglin-
toun, mentioned by Dunbar in his " Lament for the Makkaris," who flourished in
the middle of the fourteenth century, and died it is supposed about the year 13S1,
were one and the same person ; but there are so many difficulties in this supposition,
as justly to prevent our yielding assent to it without some additional evidence".
Admitting, however, Huchowne to be the author of the romance8, we are sin-

1 p. 21. 2 pp. 28, 74, 3 MS.Cott. Nero A. x. f. 70. ' Ibid. f. 85.

5 Wyntown was elected Prior of St. Serfs, in Loch Leven, in 1395, so that he must have been con-
temporary with Huchotcne. His Chronicle was not finished till the year 1420-142-1.

6 Cronylcil of Scotland, vol. i. p. 122. ed. Macpherson, 1795.

7 See the notices of this Sir Hugh collected in the admirable edition of Dunbar's poems by my
friend Mr. Laing, vol. ii. 355 ; and his remarks, vol. i. p. 38. Consult also the Select Remains of the
Popular Poetry of Scotland, pref. to Pystyl of Susan, 4to, 1822 ; Lyndsay's Works, by Chalmers,
vol. i. p. 132, note, 8vo, 1806 ; and Tytler's History of Scotland, voL ii. p. 367, 8vo, 1829.

8 Mr. Guest regards as the most decisive proof of what is here assumed, the fact, that in the void
space at the head of the poem in the MS., a hand of the fifteenth century (Mr. G. says, " not much
later than the year 1500,") has scribbled the name Hugo de, as shown in the fac-simile annexed to
the description of this MS., but, I confess, to this I do not attach much weight. Mr. Guest's wish
to regard any signature as the name of the author, has led him into some awkward mistakes, parti-
cularly in the case of the English lives of Saints, composed probably in the early part of the thir-
teenth century, and contained in a MS. written not long after, MS. Reg. 17 A. xxvii., which Mr. Guest

NOTES. 303

gularly fortunate in possessing probably all the pieces written by him noticed by
Wyntoun. together with three others on allegorical or scriptural subjects, hitherto not
pointed out. It is very evident on the chronicler's authority, that the Gret Gest of
Arthure, the Gest Hystoryale, and the Gest of Uroyttys auld story, are one and the
same poem, and relate to the exploits of Arthur and his knights against the Romans.
In this work Huchowne makes Lucius Hiberius emperor, in the time of Arthur,
whereas Wyntown, following other authorities, narnej Leo as emperor. He first
defends himself, and then good-naturedly excuses his predecessor, by saying that
in the Brivte, (by which he here means Geoffrey of Monmouth,) Lucius is called
Procurator, which was more correct, but that had Huchowne done so,

That had mare greuyd the cadens,
Than had releuyed the sentens.

Had Sir Walter Scott ever read through the Arthour and Merlin of the Auchinleck
MS., he would have known that it could not be the Gest referred to in the above
passage by Wyntown ; and Mr. Turnbull, the editor of this romance, is less ex-
cusable on this account in repeating the error without correction '. But of what in
all probability is the veritable Gest of Arthure composed by Huchowne, and
written in alliterative metre, I possess a transcript, from a MS. in Lincoln Cathe-
dral Library, which may, probably, at some future period be given to the press.

It is, perhaps, too much to assume positively with Mr. Guest, that Huchowne
" is certainly the oldest English poet, born north of the Tweed, whose works have
reached us," since Barbour, who wrote between 1370-1380, possesses equal claims
to be so considered ; but we have this remarkable fact before us, that the oldest
manuscripts containing genuine Scotish poetry, are the Cotton MS., Nero, A. x.,
the Vernon MS. in the Bodleian library, and a MS. formerly in the possession
of Dr. Whitaker, and afterwards of Mr. Heber, all of which are of the reign of
Richard the Second, all apparently written in England, and all contain poems of
Huchowne-. Now if it be supposed that some time must necessarily elapse to ac-
count for the transmission of poems composed on the other side of the Tweed to

attributes to " one John Thayer" [Theyer], whose name occurs at the commencement, and who was
the possessor in the reign of Charles the Second ! The whole of Theyer's MSS. were subsequently
purchased for the Royal Library. See History of Rhythms, a. 139, note. In the same page for
" Latin original," read " Latin version," as may be proved, perhaps, on some future occasion.

1 Preface to Romance of Art hour and Merlin, 4to, 1838 ; printed for the Maitland Club. I have
no doubt that the author is the same who wrote the English romance of Alexander, printed in Weber.

1 The MS. of Barbour's Bruce, followed by Jamieson, is dated in 1489 ; and is in the Advocate
Library. Another copy, dated one year earlier, is at Cambridge.

304 NOTES.

the southern counties, we must then with Mr. Guest give Huchowne the priority
over Barbour, and he will stand first in the list of Scotish " makkaris." Of course by
this I shall be understood to range myself on the side of those who consider Thomas
of Erceldoune's claim to Sir Tristrem as apocryphal. To discuss this subject at
length here would take me too much out of my way, therefore I shall only observe
in passing, from a passage in the inedited portion of Robert de Brunne's Chronicle,
that Kendal's christian name was also Tliomas, and that he wrote a " tale" about
Flayn, the brother of the giant Skardyng, the lord of Scarborough castle ; a piece
of information which I believe to be new to all the writers on the subject.

In regard to the peculiarity of Huchowne's stanza and style, it cannot fail to ex-
cite observation how well it corresponds with the character given by the chronicler.
It has also been ingeniously remarked by Mr. Guest, that the form of the stave,
with its abrupt bob-line preceding the wheel, distinguishes the romance of Syr Ga-
wayn and the Pystyl of Sussan from other somewhat similar productions of the
fifteenth century, and fairly intitles them to be considered of earlier date '. The
question of the introduction of alliteration into Scotland is a difficult one, as well as
the period of its being first used ; but I should be glad to have pointed out to me any
] ioi in in that metre, previous to the year 1350, composed unquestionably by a native
of North Britain. As far as we can at present judge, it must have been borrowed
from their southern neighbours, and retained subsequently to the middle of the six-
teenth century. Mr. Guest is inclined to place among the earliest specimens the
portion of the romance of Alexander, inserted in the splendid copy of the French
romance in the Bodleian Library4, which he places about the nrddle of the four-
teenth century3. But the writing of this portion is of the reign of Henry the Sixth,
nor is there any reason to believe the poem itself very much earlier than the year
1400. A larger portion of the same romance is in a MS. in the Ashmolean Li-
brary4, and I possess a transcript of a fragment of an English alliterative romance
on the same subject, which would appear from internal evidence to have been com-
posed by the author of William and the Werwolf.

Of the sources whence the author has availed himself in composing Syr Gawayn
and. the Grene Knytf, it now remains to say something. It is professedly not of
his own invention, nor founded upon popular tradition, for he expressly refers at

i Vol. ii. p. 172. = MS. Bodl. 264.

5 The Rev. W. Couybeare assigns it to so early a period as the end of the thirteenth. IUmlr.
p. lxx. This and many other similar statements by eminent writers, prove that a critical history of
English poetry is still a desideratum.

* No. 44 paper, fifteenth century. It contains 27 pa&sus, the 18, 19, 20 and 21 of which are in
MS. Bodl. 264.

NOTES. 305

the commencement to written authority, " in stori stif and strong with lei letteres
token'," and again at the end,

Thus iu Arthurus day this aunter bitidde,
The Brutus bokes titer of beres icyttenesse.

To my knowledge no English romance of an earlier period than the one before us
exists, in which the writer might have found the story he has so ingeniously con-
verted to his own purpose ; but on turning to the early Anglo-Norman literature, —
an extensive knowledge of which was undoubtedly at this period diffused over
Scotland, — I have been more successful. The immediate original of the Grene
Kny\t appears to exist in the Roman de Perceval, one of the most celebrated of
Arthur's knights, whose adventures were written in verse by Chrestien de Troyes,
at the close of the twelfth century, and continued after his death by Gautier de
Denet and Manessier, at the beginning of the thirteenth2. This romance was trans-
lated into prose in the sixteenth century, and printed in 1530. In this it is related,
that king Carados of Vaigue came to Arthur's court to ask for a wife, and receives
from the suzerain a lady named Ysenne de Carahais. During the ceremonial of
the nuptials an enchanter named Eliaures falls in love with the bride, and by ma-
gical delusion contrives to take the husband's place. The issue of this intercourse
is a son, also named Carados, who is subsequently sent to the court of Arthur by his
supposed father, to acquire a knowledge of chivalrous exercises. After a time the
monarch resolves to hold a court pleniere in the city of Carlisle (Cardeuil), for
the purpose of conferring the order of knighthood on his young nephew, and com-
municates his intention to Gawayne, who highly approves of it. The feast is kept
at Pentecost with extraordinary splendor, the ceremony of knighthood takes place,
and Arthur, according to his usual practice, is only awaiting some adventure before
he proceeds to the banquet, when at this moment a knight hastily rides up, singing
an air " Men doulcement," whose appearance is thus described : — " et avoit dessus le
bonnet ung eerele, ou pendoii ung chapeau de fieurs, et estoit vestu de satin verd,
fourre de erniinncs ; et avoit une espee saincte, dont puis east la teste couppe'e, et en
esloient ses renges ou saincture de fine soie, batue en or, et force perles semees par

1 p. 4, 1. 34. See also p. 27, 1. 690.

5 Copies of the metrical romance are rare in Great Britain. I have only been able to discover
one, in the College of Arms, MS. Arund. 14 ; but this is imperfect, and does not proceed beyond
f. xlvii. of the edition. There is said to exist a second perfect copy in the Advocates Library. In a
copy of this romance among the MSS. of the Bibliotheque du Roi at Paris, Suppl. Francais, No. 430 ;
the Episode of Carados and Elaures occurs at fol. 89b.

2 R

306 NOTES.

dessus." The knight comes to the king, and begs to have a request granted, — to ex-
change blow for blow. " How is that?" said Arthur. " Sire, I will tell you," replied
the stranger, " I will deliver my sword to a knight, before your majesty and all the
assembly, and if he is able to cut off my head with it at a blow, in case I should af-
terwards recover, I will then return him the stroke." Keux, the seneschal, declares
he would not accept the proffer for all the world, and brands with the name of fool
any one hardy enough to attempt it. The knight, however, persists, and drawing his
sword presents it first on one side and then on the other, much to the displeasure of
the king, who sees his bravest champions draw back. At last young Carados starts
forward, and seizes the weapon. The knight then lays down his head on a block,
and Carados, persisting in the enterprise against the wishes of the whole court,
raises the sword, and at a blow sends the stranger's head rolling off the length of a
lance. The headless trunk immediately rises and takes up the head, which unites as
well as ever, and the knight now claims the fulfilment of the conditions, but defers it
for one twelvemonth, and on leaving the court reminds Carados strictly to observe the
agreement. The court is much troubled at so strange an adventure, and many tear.i
are shed for Carados, who, however, does not seem to regard the peril, but passes
the time in feats of arms. At length the prescribed term arrives, and he returns to
Carlisle at Pentecost day, when Arthur and his Round Table are assembled as before.
The stranger knight again makes his appearance, and demands the accomplishment of
the covenant. Carados lays his head on the block, and tells the knight to do his worst.
Arthur and his queen both make an effort to save Carados from what appears cer-
tain death, but in vain; and the stranger having sufficiently kept them all in suspense,
raises his sword, and strikes the neck of Carados, but with the flat side only of the
weapon. He then tells him to rise, and reveals to him that he is Eliaures, the en-
chanter, his real father, and how it was brought about. He afterwards mounts his
horse and departs, leaving Arthur and his knights to celebrate their least in gladness '.

From a comparison of this narrative with the Scotish romance, we may be better
able to judge fairly of the merit of the author of the latter, and how far he has
drawn on his own inventive powers for the changes and embellishments of the
story.

We meet with an incident of the same kind in the fabliau of La Mule sans Frehi.
probably of the thirteenth century. In this Gawayne is the hero, and on behalf of
a damsel undertakes a perilous adventure. He arrives at the castle of a giant, sur-

1 Edit. 1530, ff. 76b — 79b. Southey in his notes to the preface to the Morte d' Arthur, gives an
analysis of this story, p. xrxv., and refers it to a Welsh or Breton original. It is most surprising lie
should have been ignorant of the existence of the metrical French text. See ibid., p. xxvi.

NOTES. 307

rounded by a paling, on which are fixed four hundred human heads. The giant re-
ceives him civilly, but when he is about to retire to rest, he is ordered to strike on"
the giant's head, who warns him at the same time, that on the following morning he
will have to suffer a similar blow. Gawayne is nothing daunted, and smites the
giant's head oil', but is infinitely astonished to see the body rise, take it up, and re-
place it. lie goes to bed, and, strange to say, sleeps tranquilly. The next morning
the giant comes with his axe, and awaking Gawayne, reminds him of the disagree-
able conditions made the previous evening. The knight holds forth his neck, but
it proves to be only a trial of his courage, and the giant praises and embraces him1.
This is evidently the same story as the preceding one, but diversified according to
the fancy or memory of the minstrel. A third adventure of a similar description
occurs in the second part of the Roman du Saint Graal, ascribed to Helie de Borron,
and manifestly composed subsequent to the romance of Perceval. It is there re-
lated of Lancelot du Lac, that in one of his rambles he entered the Gaste Cite, from
which issues a knight richly clad, holding a huge axe in his hands. Lancelot cuts
his head off with the weapon, on the same conditions as Carados. At the appointed
time he returns, and a strong and tall knight, brother of the one beheaded, ap-
proaches him, habited " de court, comme celluy qui veultfaire office," and holding
the fatal glayve, which he had just whetted to make it cut sharper. Lancelot pre-
pares to fulfil the conditions, makes a cross on the earth, and kneels down on it. The
sole thought that troubles him is of his mistress, queen Guenever. He regrets he
had not seen her once more to bid her adieu, and fears death only because it will
separate him from her. His tears flow for the first time in his life. He extends
his neck, and the tall knight steps back, and aims a blow. Lancelot sees the shadow
of the weapon, and eludes it. " Ha ! " cried the knight, " my brother, whom you
killed, did not act thus, but held his head firm, and so must you do." At this
crisis Lancelot is saved by the interference of two ladies from the castle, and the
two enemies become friends'.

Some points of resemblance will here also be remarked with the Scotish Romance,
and it is highly probable that the author may have mingled together several narra-
tives for the purpose of rendering his own more attractive. The series of tempta-
tions to which Gawayne is exposed, undoubtedly connects it with another traditionary
story of his exploits, which I shall have occasion to speak of when I come to the
romance of the Carle of CarehjJe.

To one of the preceding sources, in all probability, was Ariosto indebted for his

1 In Meon's Nouv. Rec. des Fabliaux, t. i. p. 1. 8vo, 1823 ; and Le Grand d'Aussy, Fabliaux ok
Contet, vol. i. p. 79, ed. 1829.

* Roman du St. Graal, S. 149b, 181, 4to, 151C.

2 R 2

308 NOTES.

episode of the necromancer Orrilo, whose powers in replacing his limbs when cut
off exceed those of Eliaures : —

Se gli spiccano il capo, Orrilo scende,
Ne cessa brancolar fin che lo truovi ;
Et or pel crine et or pel naso il prende,
Lo salda al collo, e non so con che chiovi :
Piglial talor Grifone, e '1 bracchio stende,
Nel fiume il getta, e non par ch' anco giovi ;
Che nuota Orrilo al fondo come un pesce,
E col capo salvo alia ripa esce1.

In the Appendix to the present volume will be found a modern rifacimento of
this romance of Syr Gawayn and the Grene Kiiy^t, printed from the well-known
Percy manuscript.

P. 3, 1. 1 . Sithen the sege § the assaut wat) sesed at Troye, etc.

Respecting the claim of the Britons and other nations to a Trojan descent, see
the remarks of Thompson, in the preface to his translation of Geoffrey of Mon-
mouth, 8vo, 1748 ; Warton's Hist. Engl. Poetr., vol. i. p. 131, note, and Diss, on
Bom. Fict., p. xi. ed. 1824 ; Ritson's Life of Arthur, p. 6, 8vo, 1825 ; and Panizzi's
Essay, prefixed to his edition of Boiardo and Ariosto, p. 49, 12mo, 1830. It is
adopted by all the romancers, French and English, and introduced into Spenser's
Faerie Queen, b. iii, c. 9, st. 38, 41. Thus also the author of the alliterative Morte
Arthur, in the Lincoln MS. A. 1. 17.

Thus endis kyng Arthure, as auctors alegges,
That was of Ectores blude, the kynge sone of Troye,
And of sir Pryamous, the prynce, praysede in erthe ;
Fro thethene broghte the Bretons all his bolde eldyrs
In to Bretayne the brode, as the Bruytte tellys.

Ibid. 1. 5. Hit wat$ Ennias the athel, <$• his highe kynde.
The authority for this assertion was doubtless the Latin history ascribed to Dares

1 Orlando Furioso, canto xv. st. 71.

NOTES. 309

Phrygius, cap. 39, 174, ed. Delph. 1702, although it is corroborated by the more
classical names of Dionysius of Halicarnassus and Strabo. Joseph of Exeter in his
poera Be hello Trojano, composed in the twelfth century, thus versifies Dares :

Interca questique diu, bellumque perosi.
In foedus coiere Phryges ; juratur in usum
Perlidia: perjura fides, Antcnore dirum
Parturiente nefas ; hujus consulta secuti
Uealegon atque Amphidamas, nee justior ipso
Polydaraante Dolon, patriieque in damna mentis
Impius et lanlis AZneas consonus ausis. — lib. vi. v. 705.

The immediate source, however, made use of by the Scotish poet, may have been
the popular Latin romance of Guido de Colonna, compiled in the thirteenth century,
which subsequently was translated by Lydgate into English verse.

Ibid. 1. 11. Ticias to Tuskan [turnes,~\ § teldes bigynnes.

Unless Ticius is here a mistake altogether for Anterior, the name may possibly
have been derived from Titus Tatius, king of the Sabines, and afterwards the col-
league of Romulus at Rome. The word supplied is obvious, and rendered certain
by several other passages, but I shall only quote one,

In to Tuskane he tourney, whenne thus well tymede,
Takes townnes fulle tyte, withe towrres fulle heghe, etc.

Morte Arthur, f. 80b.

Ibid. 1. 13. Felix Brutus.

This surname seems to be an invention of the writer for the sake of alliteration.
I have not met with it elsewhere.

P. 4, 1. 31. As tit as I in town herde.

A phrase by no means unusual. Compare 11. 614, 1049. We may hence reject
the emendation of Chalmers, in reading roun for touri in the first stanza of Sir
Tristrem. See Works of Sir Bavid Lyndsay, vol. i. p. 128, 8vo, 1806.

Ibid. 1. 37- This kyng lay at Camylot, etc.

In .Malory's Morte a" Arthur, compiled in 1469, Camalot is expressly declared to
be the same as Winchester, b. 12, ch. x. vol. ii. p. 193; but this is contradicted

310 NOTES.

by the Roman de Lancelot, vol. iii, f. cxlivb, 4to, 1513, where the two cities are
clearly distinguished from each other. Ritson supposes it may have been Caer-
Went in Monmouthshire, and afterwards confounded with Caer- Wynt or Win-
chester; Life of Arthur, p. 82. But popular tradition here seems the best guide,
which assigned the site of Camalot to the ruins of a castle on a hill, near the church
of South Cadbury, in Somersetshire. See Leland's Itin. ii. 75, and Colleetan. v. 28.
In the Roman de Tristan we read, " Le roy Artus y sejournoit souvent, pour ce que
la cite estoit aisee de toutes choses qu'il conuenoit a corps de homme aysier." vol. 1,
f. xxxvii. fol. 1520. So also the author of the Roman du St. Graal, 2nd part, in
speaking of another Camylot, the residence of the mother of Perceval, says, " Sei-
gneurs, necuydez pas que ce soil de celluy Kamelol dont ees jougleurs vont chantant
la chanson, on le roy Artus tenoit si souvent sa court. Cestuy Kamelot, que fut a
la vefue dame, est assyz au plus beau chef, et en la plus belle isle, et en la plus sau-
vaige de Galles, prez de la mer vers Occident. Et V autre Kamelot est a 1' entree du
royaulme de Logres, qui est peuple de gens, et est assiz au chef de la terre au roy
Artus, pour ce que il tient a toutes les terres qui de celle part marchissoyent a la
siemie." f. elxxxvii, 4to, 1516. See a passage likewise in the Roman de Lancelot,
vol. i, f. lxxxvi, and Southey's note on Morte d Arthur, ii. 487.

Ibid. 1. 40. The revels at Christmas are more than once described with a zest,
which would induce us to believe that the feasting and jollities of that season were
kept up in the fourteenth century in Scotland in a manner not to be excelled by
English pageantry. Besides the tourney, or amicable joust, we have carols, dancing,
shouts of Noel, gifts decided by lot, interludes, songs, and other amusements. See
11. 472, 983, 1007, 1026, 1654. With regard to carols and Noel, Sandy s's work on
the subject may be consulted, 8vo, London, 1S33. In the Roman de Lancelot,
vol. i. f. xxxvi, it is stated, that Arthur was accustomed to hold a court and wear
his crown five times in the year; namely, at Easter, Ascension-day, Pentecost, All
Saints, and Noel. Of these the feast at Easter was more honoured, but that of
Pentecost the most joyous. See some lines describing a court pleniere at Christmas,
in the Lai du Conseil, p. 85, of Lais Lnedits, by Fr. Michel, Svo, Paris, 1836.
On the popular Christmas play, as at present preserved in various parts of Scotland
and England, see Da vies Gilbert's Christmas Carols, Svo, 1823, pref. p. iv; Mac-
taggart's Scolish Gallovidian Encyclopedia, (a work but little known, and very cu-
rious), 8vo, London, 1824, in v. Yule-boys ; Gentleman's Magazine, 1830, parti, p. 505;
Hone's Ecery-day Book, vol. ii. p. 18, Svo, 1831 ; and Sandys's Carols, pp. 110,
174. This play has been separately printed, but made up, without judgement, from
various sources, 8vo, Portsmouth, 1836.

NOTES. 311

P. 6, 1. 81. The comlokest to descrye,
Titer glent with .'/;<« gray.

The beauty of Queen Guenever is a constant theme with the old romancers, and
appears to rest on historical tradition. In the Welsh version of the romance of
Ywaine and Gawaine, (recently edited with so much taste by Lady Charlotte Guest
as Part I. of the Mabinogion,') the expression " more lovely than Gwenhwyvar" oc-
curs, p. 42, (see 1. 945 of the present poem), and the editor remarks, that this was the
highest compliment it was possible to pay, since Gwenhwyvar is celebrated in the
Triads as one of the three fair ladies of Arthur's court, p. 102.

So also in the Latin Chronicle of Geoffrey, lib. ix. cap. 9, the queen is equally
praised for her beauty and courteous manners, and this is repeated by Wace and
his translators or imitators. But the most naive and elaborate personal description
of her appearance, whilst yet at the court of Lcodagan her father, is given in the
very rare Roman de Merlin, vol. i. f. exxxvii, in these words : — " Ng oncques en
Bretaigne »' en nasquit point de plus belle pour lots. Son visaige estoit cler et luy-
sriitt, et bien couloure blanc et vermeil ; si belle estoit que Nature avail mis en elle
toute son estudie, qu il ne lug en fiilloit ne plus ne moins. Elle estoit haulte et droicte,
et bien polic, le corps long, el gresle par les Jlans, les lianehes basses, veslue d' abiz
qui moult bien lug advenoient ; les bras avoit gros et longs, les piedz plains et
voultiz, les mains grassetes, blanches comme neige. Si lug commenroient encores a
croistre les mamelles dures, blanches, et rondes comme pommettes ; nefut trop grasse
ne trop maigre." etc. See also another passage quoted by Southey in his Notes on
Morte d Arthur, vol. ii. p. 462. It need only be remarked in addition, that the " yjen
gray," des geux vaires, were considered in the times of romance as the undoubted
characteristic of beauty. See examples (out of many) in the Erie of Tolous, ap.
Ritson, Metr. Rom. iii. 107. Launfal, ib.i. 205. Thomas of Ersgldounc,<q>.L.sdTig,
Pop. Poelr. 1. 89 ; and Sgre Gaicene and the Carle of Carelgle, in the present
volume, p. 197, 1. 365.

Ibid. 1. 90. And also another maner meued him eke

That he thur) nobelag had nomen, he wohle neuer etc.

This is borrowed by the author immediately from the Roman de Perceval, fol.
lxxviii — " Ktu.x.faict le Rog, ne vous hctstez, car vous scavez long temps y a que
quant court planiere ag tenue, que jamais ne vou/lus mengcr ains que nouvelles on-
mrrrei/les ne fussent devers mig venues; et encores ne veuil couslume laisser ne
abol/ir." So also in the Roman de Lancelot, vol. iii. f. lxxxii ; and Roman de Mer-
lin, vol. ii. f. lvi1', which narrates the establishment of this custom of Arthur, and is

312 NOTES.

probably the authority whence the other romances borrowed. Cf. Malory's Morte
d Arthur, ii. 203, 462. The same usage appears in the earlier German romance-
writers, who, in truth, only translate the metrical French authorities. Consult
Wigalois, p. 12, 12mo, Berlin, 1819; and the notes of the editor Benecke, p. 436.

P. 7. 1. 110. And Agrauayn a la dure mayn.

One of the brothers of Gawayne, by Belisent, half-sister of Arthur. I know not
whence the author of the poem derived the epithet of a la dure main, which is never
applied to him in the romances. His constant appellation there is VOrgueilleux.
His character is drawn in a few words in the Roman de Lancelot, ii. f. Ixix. — " 77
fut sans pi tie et sans amour, ne il lieut oncques bonne grace fors que de clievalerie,
et de beaulte, et la langue cut a delivre." There is an amusing episode of his haughty
behaviour in Merlin, ii. f. lxxxvi, at which his father, old king Lot, is so enraged,
that he cries out to Gawayne to slay him. His death, however, was reserved for
Sir Launcelot, after the latter had been surprised by him in queen Guenever's
chamber. Morte d Arthur, ii. 395.

Ibid. 1. 112. Bischop Bawdewyn.

This personage, who figures also in Sir Gaivene and the Carle of Care/yle, and
in T7ie Turke and Gowin, occurs nowhere in the early French metrical and prose
romances ; and his name seems to have been substituted by the English or Scotish
poets in the fourteenth century, for that of Bishop Brice or Dubricius. There w as
an Archbishop of Canterbury named Baldwin, who held the See from 1184 to
1191, from whom the name may have been taken.

Ibid. 1.113. Ywan, Yryn son.

Is the celebrated Ywain or Owain, sometimes surnamed Le Grand, son of Urien
king of Moray, according to Geoffrey, or of Rheged, according to the Welsh au-
thorities. His exploits were celebrated in French verse by Chrestien de Troyes,
and thence translated into the German, Icelandic, Welsh, and English languages, for
which consult Benecke's edition of Iwein der Riter mit dan Leiven, 8vo, Berlin, 1 827 ;
Von der Hagen's Grundrisszur Geschichte der Deutsche)! Poesie, Svo, Berlin, 1812,
p. 118 ; Ritson's Metrical Romances, vol. i. and Notes, vol. iii. 8vo, 1802 ; and Lady
C. Guest's Mabinogion, part i, Svo, 1838. He must not be confounded (as Ritson
has done) with Ywain FAroultre, a base son of Urien by his seneschal's wife, who
was killed by Gawayne without knowing him, Roman de Lancelot, iii. f. cxvii. There

NOTES. 313

are also others of this name mentioned in the Roman de Merlin, i. f. ccviiib, and
in the Roman d'JSrec et d'Enide. Cf. Arthour and Merlin, p. 306, 4to, 1838.
The name of this hero of the Round Table, somewhat disguised, again occurs in
1. 551 of the present poem ; in the Awntyrs of Arthure, st. li. 1. 4 ; and Golagros
ami Gawane, 1. 662.

P. 22, 1. 551. Aywan, and Errik, and other fid mony,

Sir Doddinaual de [/e] Savage, the duk of Clarence,

Laaneclot, and Lyonel, and Lucan the gode,

Sir Boos, and Sir Byduer, big men bothe,

And mony other menshful, with Mador de la Port.

Of Aywan or Ywain I have already spoken. The second on the list is Erec,
sun of king Lac, of whom the romance of Erec et dEnide, by Chrestien de Troyes,
exists in MS. Bibl.du Roi, No. 74984. The third is Dodinel le Sauvage, son of Beli-
nans, king of Estrangegorre, by a daughter of king Matheu " de l'isle perdu."
" Cestuy Dodinel," says the Roman de Merlin, uful surnomme Sauvaige, pource
tjii'il »e bougeoit des forest: et des bois, a chasser bestes sauvaiges," i. f. cxlviii. He
is delivered by Gawayne out of prison in the Roman de Perceval, f. cxciib. The
fourth, here named by his title of Duke of Clarence, was Galachin, son of Neutres,
king of Garlot, by a sister of Arthur, and cousin of Dodinal. The duchy was given
to him by Arthur, after his marriage with Guenever. The author of Merlin says of
him, •• Cest enfant fit le meilleur chevalier de deux centz cinquante chevaliers qui
furent de la Table Ronde," i. f. cxib. His exploits in the Vol sans retour are nar-
rated in the Roman de Lancelot, i. f. cxcb. The fifth on the list is the redoubtable,
son of king Ban of Benoit, whose amours with queen Guenever have made him more
conspicuous even than his valor. The readers of his romance, or of Malory's Morte
d' Arthur, need not be reminded that he became the destroyer, mediately or imme-
diately, of Gawayne and his brothers. Lyonel de Gauves or Gannes, son of king
Boort, was the cousin of Lancelot, and received the kingdom of Gaul from his hand.
In the Roman de Lancelot, i. f. lxxxvi, it is said of him, "El le varlet avoil a nom
Lyonnel pource que une grande merveille advint a. son naistre. Car sy tost comme
ilyssit dn ventre Helayne, sa mere, V en trouva au meillieu de son pisutie tasche ver-
mrille en forme de lyon, et avoit I 'enfant embrasse parmy le col, ainsi comme pour
Vest rangier" He is stated to have been killed in a battle against the sons of Mor-
dred, and buried at Winchester. Sir Lucan was Arthur's butler, and died with the
king in the fatal engagement with Mordred. Sir Boort or Bors de Gauves or
Gannes, was brother of Lyonel, and inherited the territories of king Claudas. Sir

2 s

314 NOTES.

Beduer, usually styled the Constable, from his filling that office in Arthur's court,
is characterized in the romance of Erec and Enide as one " Qui moll sot deschas ct
tables." His attendance on Arthur in his last moments, with the adventure of the
sword Escalibor, forms an interesting chapter in the Morte d' Arthur, ii. 440. The
last knight in the list, Mador de la Port, is introduced into the romance of Lancelot
and the Morte d 'Arthur, as the accuser of queen Guenever, on behalf of his cousin
Sir Patryse, who had been poisoned by some apples at a banquet instead of Gawayne,
for whom the fruit had been treacherously prepared. See Roman de Lancelot, iii.
f. clixb; 3Iorte d Arthur, ii. 321.

P. 23, 1. 56". Askei, erly his armei, and alle were ihay bro}t, etc.

This entire stanza and the following one are valuable for the minute description
they contain of the mode of completely arming a knight at the close of the four-
teenth century. The order was as follows : — A carpet was first brought, on which
the various pieces of gilt armour were laid. The knight then was clad in a doublet
of expensive Tarsic silk, (which was, doubtless, padded, to protect the body,) and
next a skilfully made hood (capados), closed above, and bound within with some soft
material (blaunner). The steel shoes were then placed on his feet, and his legs
covered to the knee with steel greaves, to which were affixed knee-pieces (poleyns)
well-polished, and fastened with knots of gold. After this, fair cuisses were affixed
to his brawny thighs, and tied beneath with thongs, and afterwards the byrny or
haubergeon of mail, consisting of steel rings sewed on a fair stuff. Well-burnished
braces then are placed on his arms, with good elbow-pieces (coivters), and gloves of
plate. Above all he wore his coat-arnior, or jupon; his gold spurs were fixed ; and
his sword attached about him by a silken girdle. Thus accoutred he hears mass,
and afterwards, before mounting his horse, puts on his helmet, or bacinet, which was
strongly stapled, and lined within ; it sat high on his head, and was hasped behind ;
with a light urisoun over the aventaile, or part protecting the face, embroidered witli
gems on broad silken borders, with birds and truelove-knots interspersed so thick,
as if it had been the labor of many ladies for seven years. Around the helmet was
a circle of diamonds. The shield and spear complete the knight's equipment.
Compare with this the passage in p. 75, and plate 14 of Skelton's Illustrations of
Antient Armour, 4to, 1830.

Ibid. 1. 572. A crafty capados, closed aloft.
I have met with no other instance of this term except in the present poem, but

NOTES. 315

its derivation is clear, from the French cap-a-dos, and, doubtless, means a hood or
close cap, descending low in the neck. Compare 11. 186 and 1930.

Ibid. 1. 574. Tkenne set that/ tlie siibatoii/i;, etc.

These were steel shoes or clogs to protect the feet, from the French sabot, Spanish
sapato, and were at an earlier period termed sollcrets. They are mentioned in a
poem quoted in Sir Walter Scott's Notes to Sir Tristrem, p. 374, ed. 1833.

And some also dempte most sureste
To arme them for battel of areste,
And dyd on first, after their desires,
Sabatons, greves, cusses with voyders.

The poem is cited as " C/ariodes, 3IS.", but as these Hues do not occur in the
romance of Clariodns. published by the Maitland Club, it would be very desirable
to know where Sir Walter's authority is preserved. The term again occurs in a
curious MS. in the Lansdowne collection, No. 285, written for Sir John Paston, in
the reign of Edward IV, and subsequently the property of Sir Thomas Wriothesley,
the elder, Garter. " First ye muste set on sabatynes, and tye them vpon the shoo,
wl smalle poyntes that wille [not] breke ; and than griff ks, and than quysshews, and
than the breche of made, and than towlettes ; than the breste ; than the vambruce ;
than the rerebracc, than the gloovis," etc., fol. 9. See Arckccologia, vol. xvii. p. 295,
where the whole passage is copied, but not very accurately ; and vol. xx. p. 496.

Ibid. 1. 576. With polayne] picked t/ier to.

This term for genoidllieres or knee-pieces of plate, is as old as the reign of Ed-
ward the First, in whose household-book it is found. See Du Cange, v. Polenct,
and Dissert, on Joinville, p. 184, fol. 1668. The word is preserved in the Wallace,
viii. 1203, and Rauf Coi/;ear, ap. Laing, sign. B. iv. ; and Jamieson is clearly mis-
taken in his explanation of pullaine greis, which mean greaves furnished with knee-
pieces. See also MS. Harl. 6149, fol. 46.

Ibid. 1. 583. With gode coxvters and gay.

From the French coudiere, la partie qui couvre la coude. In the inedited ro-
mance of Morte Arthure is a curious passage, which as it refers to a combat be-
tween Sir Gawayne and Sir Priamus, I may be excused quoting here.

2 S 2

316 NOTES.

And gyrdes at Syr Gawayne, as he by glentis,
And awkwarde egerly sore he hyra smythes ;
An alet enamelde he ochis in sondire,
Bristes the rerebrace with the bronde ryche,
Kerues of at the coutere with the clene egge,
Ane[n]tis the avawrnbrace, vrayllede w' siluer,
Thorowe a double vesture of veluett ryche ;
W the venemous swerde a vayne has he towchede,
That voydes so violently, that alle his witte changede ;
The vesere, the auentaile, his vestures ryche,
With the valyant blode was verrede alle ouer.

MS. Line, A. I, 11, f. 80b.

Ibid. 1. 592. So harnayst as he mat] he herkne$ his masse.

Thus in the Roman du Saint Graal, f. clxib, 4to, 1516, it is said of Gawayne,
" Ne jamais Gauvain ne partoit d'ung logis sans ouyr messe, s'il povoit, ny oncques
ne trouva damoiselle qu'il ne seconrust." See also Ritson's Metr. Rom., iii. 241.

P. 24, 1. 597. Bi that wat$ Gryngolet grayih, etc.

The name of this celebrated horse furnishes an additional proof of the acquaint-
ance possessed by the author of the early French romances. In the Roman de
Merlin, pt. ii. f. lxxii'1 — Ixxiv, is the account of his acquisition by Gawayne from the
.Saxon king Clarion, who rode " le Gringalet, ung cheval qui ainsi avoyt a no/i.
pour la grant bonte de quoy il estoit plain; car le compte dit, que pour dix lieties
courir il n'enfaisoit que le cerf, a tout ung chevalier arme de loutcs pieces, ne si ne le
failloit point picquer ne petit ne grant, ne jamais poil ne luy sua." We meet with
the same steed in the Conte of Le Chevalier a I'Espee,

Les armes recut un vaslet,
Uns autres prist lou Gringalet.

Meon's Fabliaux, i, 134.

Again, in the metrical Roman de Perceval,

Trestoz fors le Gringalet ;
Plorant s'en revont li valet.

MS. Coll. Arm./. 199.

which in the prose text (4to, 1530, f. xxxiiib) is thus rendered, " et remenassent ses
chevaulx, fors ung bien petit palefroy," evidently shewing that the later writer did

NOTES. 317

not understand his original. In the old German version of Wolfram von Eschen-
bach, who appears to have followed Guiot, a Provencal author, rather than Chres-
tien de Troyes, we find the lines.

Do was ouch Gringuljetan gegurt,
daz in mangen angestlichen furt
gein strite was zer tjoste braht,
des wart och da hin zim gedaht.

Parzival, ed. Lachmann, 8vo, 1833, p. 167.

In Tlte Awntyrs of Arthure, Gawayne's steed is simply named Grisselle, st. xlii.
LIS.

Ibid. 1. 607. Hit wat] hy,e on his hede, hasped bihynde,
Wyth a lytfh vrisoun otter the aventayle,
Enbrawden and bounden, etc.

Much time has been spent, but without success, in endeavouring to find other
instances of the term itrisoitn, which would seem to have been the same as the
cointisse, or " kerchef of plesaunce," such as it appears on the effigy of Aymer de
Valence, who died in 1323. See Stothard's Monum. Effigies, fol., 1817, and Sir
S. Merrick's Critical Inquiry, ii. 57. But in the former work, p. 12, in describing
the bacinet, Stothard writes, " The camail, and what was called by the French a
hourson, to which may be added a strap, was to attach the whole by means of a
buckle, to the haubergeon or plates." Whence did Stothard derive this term ? I
answer, in all probability from MS. Harl. 61 19, in which at fol. 46, are regulations
" How a kttyt suld be armyt in tournay ;" and among them occurs, " Item, bacynet
a tout le hourson, and ane escussone of balayne apone the nek, couerit w* ledder,
etc. And apone ye bacynet a coife of mail, and a faire oftroy befor on ye front,
(|uha will." These regulations are printed at length in the Archceologia, vol. xx.
p. 510, and in the Critical Inquiry, vol. i. p. 155, but, I regret to add, very incor-
rectly ; and the explanation of the terms used is very wide of the truth, as may appear
by comparing the original French text, printed in Du Cange's seventh Dissertation on
Joinville, p. 184. It is a curious circumstance, which must have escaped the notice
of the author of tin Inquiry, that the same regulations were previously printed more
accurately by Leyden in his rambling preface to the Complaynte of Scotland, 4to,
Edinb., 1802, p. 57, and there given as an extract from an heraldic MS., written,
and therefore conjectured to have been composed by Sir David Lyndsay, in
1586; and on such doubtful grounds large excerpts were made, and an argument
drawn to prove the author of the Complaynte and the writer of the heraldic MS.

318 NOTES.

to have been one and the same ! But the fact is, that the contents of this Heraldic
MS. (now in the Advocates Library, marked W. 4. IS.) were literally transcribed by
Lyndsay from the Harleian MS. 614-9, which latter volume, as appears by several
entries in it, was translated out of French into Scotish at the command " of anne
wirschipfulle man, Weljim Cumyn of Inverellochquy, alias Marchemond Herald,
be his obedient sone in the Office of Armes, Kintyre purseuant,*' in the year 1494.
In Lyndsay 's time the Harleian MS. was no doubt preserved in the Scotish Office
of Arms, which easily accounts for its transcription, and at once destroys all the
superstructure raised by Leyden on its contents. In the French text, the word which
occasioned this note is written houson ; in Leyden it is printed howsone, and in
Meyrick housson, and interpreted housing. I am, however, inclined to believe that
hourson, the reading of the Harleian MS., is correct, as established by the line in
the romance cited above.

Ibid. 1. 615. The cercle wat) more o prys.

This is not the padded wreath worn from the time of Richard II. to Henry IV. on
the bacinet, but the more splendid band of goldsmiths' work, enriched with jewels. It
is called "bourdoure" in the Aumtyrs of Arthure, st. xxx. 1.4, and said to be "alle
of brynte golde." See numerous examples in Stothard's excellent work ; and also
consult Du Cange, v. Bacinetum ; Roquefort's Glossaire, Suppl. v. Hehne ; Mey-
rick's Inquiry, Gloss., v. Helm us ; and Planche's Hist, of Costume, p. 160.

Ibid. 1. 620. Wyth the pentangel de-paynt, —

Hit is a syngne that Salomon set sum quyle, etc.

Those who may wish to know the efficacy of this figure, as devised by Solomon,
are referred to " Lemegeton, Clavicula Salomonis, or The Little Key of Solomon the
King, which containeth all the names, orders and offices of all Spirits, with the seales
belonging to each," iSrc, MS. Sloane, 3825. At f. 221b, is the Pentagonal Figure of
Solomon, comprising a pentangle within a circle ; in the outer triangles is inscribed
the name tetragrammaton, and names of Spirits in the inner divisions. It is di-
rected to be made in © or J , and worn upon the breast, with the seal of the Spirit
on one side of it, etc.

P. 25. 1. 636. For thy the pentangel nwe
He ber in schelde and cote.

This appropriation of arms to Sir Gawayne is purely imaginary on the part of

NOTES. 319

tlie author, and borne out by no romance authority. In the Devise des Amies des
Chevaliers de la Table Ronde, prefixed to the Human de Gyron la Courtois, fob,
his arms are thus blasoned, " Gauvain d' Orcunie portoit de purpre a ung aygle d'or
a deux testes, membrees d'a^ur ;" and this is copied by all the writers on the (pre-
tended) armorial bearings of the Round Table, down to Richard Robinson, who in
that very scarce book, "The Auncient Order, etc., of Prince Arthure," lto, Lond.,
1583, tells us in his doggerel lines,

In purple shield an Aegle spied

All golde Sir Gawayne gaue ;
One of the knights most conquerous,

Hee merits fame to haue.

Amongst them which the Table Rounde

Enobled with Renowne
By deeds of Arms in Contreyes cause,

To bring her foes a-downe.

It is certain, however, that the earlier romancers do not uniformly countenance
these arms. In the Roman du St. Graal, indeed, pt. ii. ff. cxxxvib, clxii, Ga-
\va\ in 's >hield is said to be de sinop/e, a ung aigle d'or, which device was probably
bestowed on him from winning the shield of Judas Maccabeus (ibid. f. cxxx.j,
bearing the same insignia ; but in the Roman de Merlin, vol. i. f. clxiv, Gawayne's
banner is described " de cendal d hide, a ung lyon d'argent," and vol. ii. f. Ixxxiii1',
his shield, "au lion de sinople, rampant." So also in the Roman de Lancelot, i.
f. xcvb, his shield is blasoned, " le champ de Uescu estoitd'or, et ung lyon de gueides."
Again in the German romance of TVigalois, 1. 5618, his arms are represented to be
"ein wizzer hirz uf einem berge guldin,"and on an ivory carving of the thirteenth cen-
tury, representing Sir Gawayne reposing on the enchanted bed, (see Roman de
Perceval, f. xl.) we find on his shield a lion's jamb. Consult Ferrario, Storia ed
Analisi degli antichi romanzi di Cavalleria, vol. ii. p. 101, 8vo, 1828. By way of
adding to this variety, the author of the Awntyrs of Arthure, st. xl. tells us his arms
were " griffones of golde, engrelede fulle gaye," with whom agrees the author of
the metrical Mbrte Arthure in the Lincoln MS., fol. 93b.

Ibid. 1. 648. At this cause the hny,t comlyche hade

In the more half of his schelde hir ymage depaynted.

The author has introduced the Virgin on Gawayne's shield in imitation of Prirhetn.
the famous shield of Arthur, on which her image was similarly depicted. Tin

320 NOTES.

passage in Geoffrey of Monmouth, lib. ix. c. 3, appears thus in the early English
version of La^amon.

He heng an his sweore

serine sceld deore ;

his nome wes on Bruttisc

Pridwen ihaten ;

ther wes innen igrauen,

mid rede gold stauen,

an on-licDes deore

of Drihtenes Moder.

See my edition of this valuable old poet, now in the press, vol. ii. p. 464, and
Notes on the passage. A curious tradition or legend on the subject, evidently com-
posed by the Monks at Glastonbury, and intitled " Quedam narracio de nobili rege
Arthuro, in Sacramento altaris non plene credente, qualiter conjirmatus fuit in fide,
factus vere credens, el quare mutavit arma sua," is preserved in the Bodleian
Library, and together with several other Latin legends relating to the heroes of
the Round Table, may hereafter be published by me, accompanied by translations
and notes.

P. 27. 1.691. The realme of Logres.

In the Roman de Merlin, ff. xcvii, cxviib, Logres is merely the name of London,
" la maitresse cite " of Arthur's kingdom, but in the present instance it means En-
gland in general. Supposing Gawayne to set out on his expedition from Came/ol
in Somersetshire, he must have proceeded (in case he did not cross the Severn)
through Gloucestershire and adjoining counties into Montgomeryshire, and thence
by a very circuitous route to Holyhead, adjoining the isle of Anglesea, from which
he passes into the long narrow peninsula of Wirral in Cheshire, the uninhabited and
waste state of which in the sixteenth century is borne out by historical facts. (See Or-
merod's Cheshire, vol. ii. p. 187.) The knight thence pursues his way over hill and
moor, until he arrives at an immense forest, the locality of which would lead us to
presume it to be Inglewood forest in Cumberland, which is elsewhere celebrated in
romance. The object of his search, " the grene chapel," is stated to be but two miles
distant from a castle in this forest, in which Gawayne takes up his abode. Although
in cases of this sort the imagination of the romance-writer generally is the sole guide
of his pen, yet I cannot help thinking some allusion may be made to the " Chapel
of the Grune," which in the older maps of Cumberland is marked as existing on

NOTES, 321

the point of land on the western coast running into the sestuary of the Wauipool, not
far from Skinburness, which forms part of Allerdale ward, below Denvent, but its
history I have in vain searched for in various topographical works. Close to this
was Woltsty or Vulstey castle, said to have been built by the Abbots of Holm
Cultram, to secure their treasures ; and here also are said to have been preserved
the magic books of the wizard Michael Scott. Hutchinson's Cumberland, i. 329,
ii. 327, 340, 4to, 1794.

P. 30, 1. 774. Jesus and say [saynt] Gilyan.

The latter is Saint Julian, who in his character of "the gode herberjour," was
noted for supplying way-worn travellers with lodgings in a time of need. See
Tyrwhitt's Note on Chaucer, C. T. v. 342.

P. 36, 1. 957. That other with a gorger was gered ouer the swyre.

The gorger or wimple is stated first to have appeared in Edward the First's reign,
and an example is found on the monument of Aveline, countess of Lancaster, who
died in 1269. The fashion continued partially during the fourteenth century, for
Chaucer's Wife of Bath is so dressed, and the usage may have lasted longer in
Scotland than in England. It makes its appearance again in the reign of Henry
the Sixth, as appears by the monument of Elizabeth, wife of John de la Pole, duke
of Suffolk. It may be observed, however, that from the poem the usage of the
gorger would seem to have been confined to the elderly ladies.

P. 39, 1. 1022. The ioye of say n Jone} day wat$ gentyle to here.

This is the 27th of December, and the last of the feast. Sometimes the Christ-
mas festivities were prolonged to New Year's Day.

P. 43, 1. 1126. This and the succeeding stanza are quoted by Mr. Guest
in his " History of English Rhythms," vol. ii. p. 166, accompanied by a translation'
which is often faulty, as will be occasionally pointed out in the Glossary. The
minute particulars given here and elsewhere of " wode-crafte," may seem to have
been suggested by the similar passage in the romance of Sir Tristrem ; but whether
this be so or not, the present poem has greatly the superiority, both in the extent of
the details and the more graphic character given to them.

The plan of hunting the deer here described may be explained as follows. On
assembling at the kennel, the hounds were called out and coupled, and the hunters
blew on their bugles three short moots or notes, which was responded to by the

2 T

322 NOTES.

baying of the dogs. The vewters, or men who judged of the game by thefewte or
scent, then proceeded to the stations (trysteres) marked out, and the dogs were cast
off. The deer, roused from the dale by the cry, seek refuge in the heights (the hy^e),
but are there driven back by the parties (stablye) appointed, who allow the male
deer and bucks to pass, but drive back the hinds and does with shouts; and
as they fly, followed by the dogs, they are pierced with arrows, or should they
escape the bowmen, are pulled down and killed by the greyhounds at the stations
below. Compare the passages in the Awntyrs of Art/acre, st. iv. v. ; Romance of
Clariodus, p. 24-6 ; and Wyntoun, vi. 16, 15, vii. 1, 46.

P. 50, 1. 1 327. And didden hem derely vndo, as the dede aske^.

The process here described may be compared with that in Sir Tristrem, p. 158,
and in Dame Juliana Beiner's Book of St. Albans, sign. e. i. edit. 1496. See also
La Venerie de Jaques de Fouilloux, 4to, Paris, 1 585, cap. 44 ; and A Jewell for
Genlrie, [by T. S.] 4to, Lond., 1614, sign. F. 2. The description runs thus, as
far as the obscurity of the technical terms used enables me to interpret it. After
taking the assay, or depth of the fat, they slit the slot (the hollow above the breast-
bone, or, according to others, the pit of the stomach), and take out the erber (the
conduit leading to the stomach), cut it with a sharp knife, and tie up the severed
parts ; then rip the four limbs, and rend off the hide. They next open the belly,
and take out the bowels, cutting away lustily, and bear away the knot ; then grasping
the gargulun, they quickly divide the iveasand or gullet from the wind-hole, and
throw out the small guts. Afterwards they proceed to cane out the shoulders, by
a small aperture, so as to keep the sides whole, and divide the breast in halves.
Then beginning again at the gargulun, the deer is slit up to the fork ; the avancers
are voided out, and the fillets cut away by the ribs, and so by the ridge-bone even
to the haunch, all of which form the noumbles, and are taken away together. By the
fork of the thighs they lance the flaps behind, and hew it in two parts by the back-
bone. After this the head and neck are cut off", and next the sides severed from
the chine ; the raven's bone or fee is cast on a bush, and the sides pierced through
and hung upon the houghs of the haunches (?), as the fee of those who were
entitled to them. Lastly, they feed their hounds on the hide, with the liver, lights,
and skin of the paunch, mingled with bread dipt in blood, and blow prys, consisting
of " two longe notes and the reehate." The latter part of this ceremony, then con-
sidered so important, is amply described in the Mayster of the Game, a trea-
tise compiled for king Henry the Fifth, when prince ; but the details are passed
over as belonging " moor to wodemannys craft than to hunters." See MS. Cott.

NOTES. 323

Vesp. B. xii. f. 94. The modem practice of breaking a deer may be found in
" L'ecole de la Chasse," par M. le Verrier de la Conterie, 8vo, Rouen, 1763, part
ii. p. 182.

P. 54, 1. 1440. Long sytlienfor the sounder that wiftfor olde.

The meaning of this line is obscure, but it seems to be, that the boar from its age
had long since quitted the sounder or herd ; according to the Book of St. Alban's,

Now to speke of the boore, the fyrste year he is
A pygge of the sounder callyd, as haue I blys ;
The seconde yere an hogge, and soo shall he be,
And an hoggestere, whan he is of yeres thre ;
And when he is foure yere, a boore shall he be,
From the sounder of the swyne thenne departyth he ;
A synguler is he soo, for alone he woll go.

Edit. 1496, Sign. d. i.

See also the treatise on hunting, by Twety, MS. Cott. Vesp. A. xii. f. 3b, and the
chapter in the Mayster of the Game, on the wild boar, f. 33.

P. 60, 1. 1605. Tlienne a wy$e that wat>, urys vpon wod-crafte^, etc.

This process of unlacing or undoing the boor is told more at length in the Book
of St. Alban's, sign, e, i, and the reward given to the hounds is especially noticed
in another passage.

Thrugh your houndys by strengthe yf that he be dede.
They shall haue the bowelles boyllyd wyth the brede.

Sign. d. ib.

And so also in the treatise ascribed to Twety, written originally in French, in the
time of Edward the Second. " And whanne the boor is itake, he be deffetyd al
velue, and he shal haue xxxii hasteletys ; and ye shal jif your houndys the bowellis
boyled w' breed, and it is callyd reward, for cause that it is etyn on the erthe, and
not on the skynne." — f. 6b.

P. 63, 1. 1699. Summefel in thefute, ther the fox bade, etc.

That the hunting of the fox was an accustomed sport as early as the beginning
of the thirteenth century we have the authority of Lajamon, who in his translation
of the Brut inserts a passage not in his original, in which king Arthur compares the
position of Cheldric, in the forest of Caledon, to that of bold Reynard after a chace,

2 T 2

324 NOTES.

when he is fain to take to his hole, and is unearthed by his pursuers. See vol. ii.
p. 451. A drawing on this subject executed soon after the year 1300, is copied by
Strutt in his Sports and Pastimes, from MS. Reg. 2 B. vii. In the Mayster of the
Game it is said, " The hunty nge for the foxe is faire for the good crie of the houndis
that folowene hym so nye, and with so good a wille ; alway thei senten of hym, for
he fleth by thik spoies, and also for he stinketh euermore, and with gret payne he
wil leeue a couert whan he is therinne," etc., f. 42b. Yet notwithstanding this
commendation, fox-hunting seems to have been but in little repute in the fifteenth
century, and is almost wholly passed over in iheBook of St. Albans. The description
of the fox-chase given in stanzas xxiii, xxiv, and xxxi, forms one of the most
spirited parts of the poem, and are certainly the earliest extant on the subject
among Scotish writers.

P. 64, 1. 1738. No hwet, goud on Mr hede, hot the ha^er stones
Trased aboute Mr tressour, etc.

The fret in which the hair was confined forms a remarkable feature of the female
coiffure in the reigns of Richard the Second and Henry the Fourth, and was com-
posed of gold wire studded with precious stones. See Chaucer's Floure and the
Leafe, 1. 152 ; Kempe's Introd. to Stothard's Monumental Effigies, p. 15 ; and
Planches Hist, of Costume, p. 166. Compare also the tracing of the rude illumi-
nation in the original MS. of the poem, representing the lady's visit to Sir Gawayne.

P. 75, 1. 2015. Fyrst he clad hym in his clothe), etc.

The process of arming is not so minutely described here as in p. 23, but consists
merely in putting on the ordinary apparel, and then the armour, namely, a hau-
berk (paunce), a pair of plates for the back and breast, and a byrny or haburgeon
of steel rings, which would almost seem superfluous. Over all these was cast the
surcoat of velvet, embroidered with the knight's conisance in precious stones, and
furred.

P. 77, 1. 2081. Vch Mile had a hatte, a myst-hahel huge.

In Chalmers's Caledonia, vol. iii. p. 211, a local proverb is quoted, which bears the
same phraseology.

When cloudy Caimmuir hath a hat,
Pilnour and Skairs laugh at that.

Fuller in his Worthies, preserves a similar saying in Cumberland, vol. i. p. 234,
4to, 1811.

NOTES. 325

P. 89, 1. 2419. Wat) blended wx Barsabe.

By Barsabe the writer means Bath-sheba, the wife of Uriah the IIittit«-. See
2 Sam. cap. xi.

P. 90, 1. 2446. Tltur) my ft of Morgue la Faye, that in my hous lenges,
In hoyntyse of clergy e bi craftes wel lerned ;
Hie maystres of Merlyn, etc.

The fame of this lady is known to all readers of romance, and more particularly
of the Romance of Merlin, in which a minute description of her personal appearance
and accomplishments is given. See Southey's Notes on Morte dArthure, ii. 468.
It is acknowledged on all sides that she received her instruction in the art of magic
from the "conable klerk" Merlin, and from her proficiency was called " Morgain
la fee," which our author has rendered " Morgne the goddess." Yet he seems by
calling her "the maystres of Merlyn," and speaking of her amours with that sage
personage, to have unwittingly confounded her with her rival in the science of ne-
cromancy, Vivienne, the Lady of the Lake. Merlin's love for the latter, and her
deception of him by means of the art he had taught her, are related in various
places ; but there is no authority, as far as my reading extends, for the assertion in
the poem, beyond that of the writer himself. The cause of Morgain's hate to queen
Guenever, alluded to in the text, 1. 2460, was occasioned by an intrigue between
the former and a knight named Guyomars, which was discovered and revealed by
the queen. Roman de Merlin, i. f. clxxx1' ; Roman de Lancelot, i. f. exevi ; Le
Grand's Fabliaux, i. 152, ed. 1829. In the romance of " Ywaine and Gawin,''
printed in Ititson, a lady says she has a precious ointment, given to her by " Mor-
gan the Wise." This undoubtedly refers to the enchantress, and Ritson in his
Notes, vol. iii. p. 239, interprets it erroneously. The Prophecies of Merlin attri-
bute to the Lady of the Lake a deeper knowledge of magic than Morgain, and
a curious story is related of a trial of skill between Morgain, the Lady of Avalon,
Sibille, the enchantress, and the queen of North Wales. If, says the compiler, the
Lady of the Lake had been there, " toute la sublilite du mondey seroit." Morgain
conjures up a legion of devils to cany away the Lady of Avalon, but they are re-
pulsed, and Morgain herself comes in person, reading her magical book as she ad-
vances. Her opponent, however, is prepared for her, and having on a ring, the
power of which is such as to obtain instantly whatever the possessor demands, she
comes forward to Morgain, and asks for all her clothes, which of course immediately
leave the wearer, and Merlin's pupil, to her extreme surprise, finds herself -"al so
naked as she was borne "in the midst of her attendants ! The Lady of Avalon laughs

326 NOTES.

at her confusion, but in pity takes off her surcoat, and gives it to the vanquished

and angry enchantress " ' Ha ! ' dame, 'fait Morgain, vous m' avez honnye, car Ton

cuidoit quejefusse dejeune aage, et ilz ont veu ma chair nue et ridee, et mes mamelles
pendans, et aussi la peau de mon ventre, dont la nouvelle sera comptee en maint lieu.'
' Morgain,' fait la Dame d'Avallon, 'je scay certainement que par maintesfoisavez
este en vostre lict toule nue avec maint beau chevalier.' ' En nom Dieu,' fait Mor-
gain, ' seje y ay este, aussi me suys-je baignee, el oings tous mes membres, dont les
chevaliers les troverent toutes fresches et dures,'" fol. cxxxib. The author of the poem
had therefore good authority for his description of the " auncian" lady. See 1. 961.

%\)t ^ftontprs of &rt|mre at tije Cerne
»ati)el|me*

TWO Manuscripts of this romance exist. Of these one is at present in the Bod-
leian Library, which previously belonged to Baynes, Ritson and Douce, and
from a transcript of this MS. the poem was first printed (" surreptitiously," says
Ritson,) by Pinkerton, in his " Scotish Poems," vol. iii. p. 197, 12mo, 1792, under
the title of " Sir Gawan and Sir Galaron of Galloway." He divided it
into two parts, and prefixed an argument to each, but his text is extremely incorrect,
and, as he was confessedly ignorant of the language, his Glossary exhibits many
errors. From this edition, bad as it is, the first twenty-six stanzas were transferred
to Sibbald's " Chronicle of Scotish Poetry," 8vo, 1S02, vol. i. p. xvii. Another
transcript of this MS., made about the middle of the last century, was in the library of
Heber (Sale Cat. No. 1121, where it is stated to have been copied "from a MS. penes
Nickols,") and was purchased subsequently by Sir Thomas Phillipps, Bart. The second

NOTES. 327

copy of the poem is preserved in the library of Lincoln Cathedral, marked A. i. 17,
but is, unfortunately, not quite perfect. From this MS. the romance was again
printed by Laing, in his " Select Remains of the Ancient Popular Poetry of Scot-
land," 4to, 1822, and the deficiencies supplied from Mr. Douce's manuscript.
The age of the latter MS. is assigned by Pinkerton and Laing to the reign of Henry
the Sixth, but I do not think it can claim a higher antiquity than the period of his
successor, or about the years 1460-14S0. The Lincoln copy is undoubtedly earlier,
being written, with many other pieces in the same volume, between the years 1430-
1440. ' It has therefore been judged advisable, in printing this curious poem for
the third time, to take the Lincoln MS. for the ground-work of the text, and where
defective, inserting the lines from the later copy, the variations of which throughout
are very carefully noted. There are many clerical errors in both manuscripts,
which were no doubt written in England, and therefore do not present a genuine Sco-
tish text, yet enough remains to prove the romance to be of Northern original. The
readings of the Douce MS. are sometimes preferable, but as it is a dangerous prac-
tice to attempt to unite copies written at different periods and in different parts of
thr kingdom, the variations of the later copy have been kept quite distinct. Botli
the MSS. having been placed by the liberality of the owners, the Dean and Chapter
of Lincoln and the late Francis Douce, Esq., for a considerable period in the hands
of the editor, an opportunity was thereby afforded of transcribing and collating them
more minutely than had previously been possible, and it is believed that the present
edition may on that account lay claim to greater accuracy than its predecessors.

The authorship of this poem has been generally ascribed to Clerk of Tranent,
who is believed, with every appearance of probability, to have lived in the early
part of the fifteenth century. The authority on which this supposition rests is a
passage in the poem of Dunbar, intitled " Lament for the deth of the Mahkaris,"
written about the year 1507, in wThich he says,

Clerk of Tranent eik he hes tane.
That maid the awnteris of Gawane.s

The Maitland MS. reads The clerk, which has occasioned Macpherson', and, after
him, Sibbald and Ileber, to conjecture, that Hucheon or Hugh may have been his
christian name, and consequently that the Huchowne of Wyntoun and the Clerk of
Dunbar were the same individual. But this conjecture has no probability in it, and
is satisfactorily refuted by the internal evidence of the poem itself. From the simi-

1 See the description of this MS. annexed to the Introduction of the present volume.
- Edit. Laing, vol. i. p. 21 1. 3 Notes on Wyntoun, ii. 364.

328 NOTES.

larity of style, the peculiar construction of the stanza, and the subject, it is almost
certain, that the writer of the Aivntyrs of Arthure must also have been the author1
of Golagros and Gawane, and it will hence appear how inconsiderately the compo-
sition of these poems has been assigned by Sir Walter Scott2, Ellis'", Sibbald'S and
Tytler5 to the thirteenth century ! The language alone, had it been studied, would
prove the error of such an hypothesis, which is more completely demonstrated by
the costume of these pieces, and by the structure of the wheel attached to each
stanza. Another feature of these poems consists in the repetition of a leading
thought or expression, which served to knit the lines together and assist the me-
mory, but this is not confined to poems of the fifteenth century, nor indeed to
Scotish poetry ; for the usage occurs in Minot's poems, composed in the middle of
the fourteenth century, and was borrowed from the middle-age Latin writers,
among whom such verses were called serpentine.

The sources from which the Scotish writers derived their romance poems has
been too hastily referred by Sir Walter Scott to the floating British traditions of
Arthur's cycle6; an opinion repeated by Leyden7, Laing8, and Tytler5. Tiiis as-
sertion I hold to be true to a very limited extent. Allowing even Sir Tris/ran to
be the work of a native of Scotland, (which I do not,) nothing is more certain than
its derivation from an Anglo-Norman text ; and the same fact is indisputable in the
instances of the romances of Sir Gawayne and the Grene Knytf, and Golagros and
Gawane. In regard to the poem which these remarks more particularly apply to, the
author refers to " the buke," but whether this is, as often, a mere form of words, I have
met with no evidence to prove. It is, however, not to be doubted, that the ground-
work of the first portion of the poem is taken from a very popular religious legend
among the Latin writers of the middle-age, which is found in various forms, but with
the same general outline, — the appearance of a female in torments, who has been
punished for her want of chastity, pride, and vanity, and whose salvation is procured
by a certain number of masses said for her soul. In my edition of the old English
versions of the Gesta Romanorum, printed for the Roxburghe Club, 4to, 1838, will
be found several notices on the subject, Notes, p. 528. There is an inedited English
poem of the fifteenth century, called " The Trental of St. Gregory," MS. Cott.

' Ellis commits a grievous error in ascribing the English romance of Ywain mid Gawin to Clerk.
See Metr. Rom. i. 345.
- Preface to Sir Tristrem, p. 57, ed. 1833. 3 Ellis, Metr. Rom., i. 129.

4 Chron. of Sc. Poetr., i. p. xvi. ; but he also assigns the years 1341 — 1371 as its rera.

5 Hist, of Scotland, ii. 359, 8vo, 1829.

6 Pref. Sir Tristr. p. 57. 7 Compl. Scotl. p. 208.
8 Pop. Poetr. Scotl, pref. to The Awntyrs. 9 Hist. Scotl. ii, 359.

NOTES. 329

Calig. A. II. f. 8-tb, founded on the same story, in which Pope Gregory plays the
part that queen Guenever does in the Scotish romance. It may be worth while to
quote a few lines to shew the similarity of the tales.

The pope as he at hys masse stode
Vpon hys modur he hadde throw3t goode,
Prayng to god wl conciens clere.
The sothe to knowe as hit were ;
And sodenly yn myddes hys masse
Ther throw; to hym suche a derkenesse
Th1 he lakkede ner the dayes ly3t.
For hit was derke as mydnyjt.
In th' derkenes was myste among,
Alle astonyed he stode, so hit stongke !
Be syde he loked vnthur hys lere ;
In th" derknes a thyng threw hym nere,
A wonthurfulle grysely creature,
Aftur a fend fyred, w' alle here feture j
Alle ragged & rente, both elenge & euelle.
As orrybulle to beholde as any deuelle ;
Mowthe, face, eres, and yes
Brennede alle fulle of brennyng lyes.
He was so agast of th' grysyly goste
That yn a sownyng he was almoste.

He accosts the spirit, who answers him thus :

I am thy modur th' the beere,
Th' for vnschryuen dedes so derne
In byttyr paynes thus Y brenne.

He inquires the cause, and is told it is the consequence of her living in lusts and
refusing to confess.

The pope lette teres adown renne,

And to hys modyr he sayde then.

Telle me now, modur, for loue of Mary, flour.

If any thyng may the help or sokour,

Bedes or masse thy penaunce to bye.

Or ony fastyng thy sorowe to aleye ?

She requires a trental of masses, and then departs.

It need scarcely be remarked how immeasurably the Scotish poet has the ad-
vantage over the English writer.

2 u

330 NOTES.

Of the second part of the romance I have not been so fortunate as to find the
prototype, but in the Morte d 'Arthur of Malory, professedly compiled from the
French, Syr Galleron of Galway is introduced as a knight of the Table Round,
" the whiche was a noble knyghte, and had done many dedes of armes, and he was
a large knyght of flesshe and boone," vol. ii. p. 197- Of his " many dedes of armes"
scarcely any information is given, but we find him again included among the knights
who watch together for the purpose of surprising Lancelot du Lac in queen Gue-
never's chamber. " And these were their names : Syr Colgreuaunce, Syr Mador de
la Porte, Syre Gyngalyne, Syr Melyot de Logrys, Syre Petypase of Wynchelse, Syr
Galleron of Galway, Syr Melyon of the Montayne, Sir Astamore, Syre Gromore
Somor joure [read Grummors sone], Syr Curselayne, Syr Florence, Syr Louel.
So these twelue knyghtes were with Sir Mordred and Sir Agrauayne, and al they
were of Scotland, outlier of Syr Gawayn's kynne, outlier well willers to his bre-
theren." — Morte d Arthur, vol. ii. p. 392.

P. 95, st. i. 1. 2. By the Terne Wahethelyne.

This is still the name of a small tarn or lake, which covers about an hundred
acres of land in the forest of Inglewood, near Hesketh in Cumberland. Towards
the north-east end were the remains, in 1794, of an ancient castle, called popularly
Castle Heivin. Hutchinson's Cumberland, i. 491 . The spot is again alluded to in
the romance-tale or ballad on the Marriage of Sir Gawayne, printed by Percy,
Reliques, iii. 351, ed. 1794, and reprinted in the Appendix to the present volume.
Consult Ritson's King Arthur, p. 93.

Ibid. st. i. 1. 3. Carelele.

Carlisle in Cumberland is here evidently intended, but in the French romances
we always find Cardueil, which is represented to be " en la marche de Galles " in the
Rom. de Perceval, f. lxxvib, where we may conclude that Caerleon on Usk, in
Monmouthshire, may be meant. See Lady C. Guest's Note on the Mabinogion.
pt. i. p. 87-

P. 96, st. iii. 1. 4. Tliat borne was in Burgoyne.

This must refer to the birth-place of Gawayne's steed, since neither himself nor
the Queen were born in Burgundy. Perhaps, however, it is a poetical license, for
the sake of the alliteration.

NOTES. 331

P. 99, st. viii. 1. 5. Sir Cudorc, Sir Caduhe, Sir Coslarde, Sir Kaye.

Cador was earl of Cornwall, and acts a conspicuous part in the Brut. He was
slain with the flower of the knights of the Round Table in the battle against Mor-
dred, and his son Constantine succeeded Arthur in the kingdom. Mr. Douce's MS.
reads Sir Cleges, whose name occurs several times in the Morte d Arthur, and of
whom exists a romance printed by Weber, vol. i. p. 331. Sir Caduke is doubtless
Sir Cradock (the Carados of French romance,) who is the hero of the amusing tale
of TJie Boy and the Mantle, in Percy, vol. iii. p. 3. Sir Coslarde is probably a
false reading for Constantync, Cador's son ; and Sir Kaye is the well-known Sene-
schal of Arthur.

P. 102, st. xii. 1. 2. Than Beryke or Brangwayne.

Brangwayne is sufficiently well known as the accommodating attendant of La
belle Iseult, (see Scott's Notes on Sir Tristrem, pp. 418, 450, and Michel's Tristan,
ii. 163, 12mo, 1835); but of the other lady, Beryke, or Berelle (as Douce's MS.
reads,), no mention has been found, either in French or English romancers.

P. 103, st. xiii. 1. 11. Nowe moyse one this mirroure, etc.
Compare some corresponding lines in Golagros and Gawane, 1. 1230.

P. 104, st. xvi. 1. 7. My modir.

The name of queen Gayenour's or Guenever's mother is not here expressed, nor
have I met with it elsewhere. According to romance authority she must have been
the wife of Leodegan, king of Carmelide. The vices she accuses herself of are
imaginary, and introduced from the old religious legend, invented for the purpose
of shewing the efficacy of confession and mass.

P. 108, st. xxii. 1. 2. The Frolo and the Farnaghe.

Arthur's combat with, and victory over Frolo, the tribune or governor of Gaul
under the Romans, is related by Geoffrey, lib. ix. cap. 11, and amplified afterwards
bv Wace and Lajamon. The same personage is introduced into the Roman de
Merlin, p. ii. f. ix, and Roman de Lancelot, ii. f. lxivb. Who is meant by the Far-
naghe, I am at a loss to discover, and from the reading of Douce's MS. one would
suspect some error here. In theinedited Morte Arthure, Fortune says to the British
monarch,

2u2

332 NOTES.

Fownde abbayes in Fraunce, the froytej are thyne awene,
Fore Frolle, and for Ferawnt, and for thir ferse knyghttis,
That thowe fremydly in Fraunce has faye be-Ieuede.

MS. Line. f. 89.

This Sir Feraunt was slain by Sir Florent, in a battle between Sir Gawayne and
the Loraiuers and Lombards, ib. f. 82b. Compare Malory's Morte d' Arthur, book v.
cap. 11. It may be remarked that the reading of the Douce MS. in the latter part
of the line is fully confirmed by the passage quoted above.

P. 109, st. xxiii. 1.1. A knygkte salle henly, etc.

Few readers of romance will have to be reminded that the traitor Mordred, ge-
nerally termed Arthur's nephew, but in reality his bastard son by the wife of king
Loth, is here intended. According to Malory, book xxi. cap. 1, he was crowned at
Canterbury. For a personal description of Mordred, see Roman de Lancelot, ii.
f. lxix. His treason was first communicated to Arthur, after the final defeat of the
Romans, in Tuscany.

Ibid. St. xxiii. 1. 8. Be-syde Ramessaye, fulle ryrjhte at a rydynge ;
And at Dorsetl salle dy doghetyeste of alle.

The scene of the fatal battle with Mordred is placed by Geoffrey of Monmouth
and his followers near the river Camel in Cornwall, which by French writers
and many of our modern historians is called Camlan. Lajamon, the trans-
lator of Wace in the reign of King John, adds from himself, that the precise spot
was at Camelford. See my edition of that writer, vol. iii. p. 141. The author of
a short metrical Brut, in the MS. Red Book of Bath, calls it Camelerton. It is
therefore difficult to explain the statement in the passage above cited, which is
manifestly erroneous, and opposed to the stanza immediately following, in which
the writer says " upponne Cornewayle coste." Sir Thomas Malory, apparently
without any authority, removes the action to " a doune besyde Salysbury," vol. ii
p. 436.

Ibid. st. xxiv. 1. 7 that beris of sabille

A sawtire engrelede, of silver fulle schene.

This is also an invention of the poet, and not in accordance with the romance au-
h orities, which state Mordred's arms to have been similar to his half-brothers, " de

NOTES. 333

pourpre a un aigle a deux testes (tor, memories de mesmes, a un chef d 'argent." See
La Devise, etc., des Clievaliers de la Table Ronde.

P. 110, st. xxv. 1. 9. In the Lincoln MS. the scribe has negligently in-
serted in the place of this line the last five lines of st. xviii., but with some varia-
tions from his previous text, as follows:

To mene me w' rneffes grete mede to the it were

Bot for hym J1 raghte was one rode,

Gyft'e fafte of thi gude

Whilles y }ou arte here.

To Jam' j,at fayles the fude,

P. 1 1 1 , st. xxvi. 1. 12. To Rondolfe sett haulle.

Of Randvlphs, or Randals Hall, I have been unable to fix the locality. It may
be, as in other instances, an imaginary spot.

P. 113, st. xxx. 1. 12. And his chcuarone by-forne
Stode als ane vnycorne, etc.

Cheuarone is here used for the ehanfron or chanfrain, i. e. the piece of armour
which protected the horse's head. Sir S. Meyrick states, Critical Inquiry, vol. ii.
p. 143, that the invention of a spike in front of the ehanfron is to be assigned to
the end of Henry the Sixth's reign ; and Planche, in his Hist, of Costume, p. 205,
says "chanfrons, with spikes projecting from them, were adopted about 1467."
Were this true, the date of the poem before us would be brought lower than the
period we are from other circumstances justified in considering it to belong to. In
an inventory dated 1316, I find mention made of two " chanfrains dore;, et un de
cuir," and in the Assisa Hierosolymitana, which Sir S. Meyrick considers to belong
to the reign of Edward the Third, we have in cap. 95, the following passage, " Et
le cheval doit estre couvert de couverture de fer (as in the present poem, st. xxx.
1. 6,) et avoir une testiere defer, et enmi la testiere line broche defer, telle come celle
de l'escu." See Crit. Inq. i. 124.

P. 115, st. xxxiii. 1. 3. Of Konynge, of Carryke, of Conynghame, of Kylle,
Of Lomonde, of Lcnay, of Loicthyane hillis.

For Konynge the Douce MS. reads Connok, which is right, as confirmed by st.
liii. 1. 3. The parishes of Old Cumnock and Xew Cumnock, in Ayrshire, were for-
merly comprehended in one, and constituted a barony, which in the fourteenth cen-

334 NOTES.

tury belonged to the earls of March. See Chalmers's Caledonia, iii. 521. The
same writer says it is difficult to decide when the Celtic districts of Carrick, Cu-
ningham, and Kyle were formed into the present county of Ayrshire, and that in the
time of Henry the Third Carrick was described as being in Galloway, a name ap-
plied loosely to the whole peninsula between the Solway and the Clyde, including
Annandale and Ayrshire. By the ancient division of this county Carrick occupied
the southern side of the Doon ; Kyle, the space between the rivers Doon and Irvine ;
and Cuningham the whole territory on the north of the last-mentioned river. Ibid.
iii. 249, 446. Lonwnde is in Dumbartonshire, and for Laiay, or, as MS. Douce
reads, Losex, we should probably read Lenaux, Lennox, an ancient district now
partitioned between the counties of Stirling and Dumbarton.

P. 117, st. xxxvii. 1. 7. By that, one Plutone land a palais ivas pi$t.

Perhaps Plumpton Park or Land is alluded to, situate in the parish of Lazenby,
Leath ward, Cumberland, about six miles from Penrith.

P. 118, st. xxxviii. 1. 1. Krudely, the erles sone of Kent.
I can find no such person among the knights of Arthur's court.

P. 119, st. xl. 1. 2. Griffones ofgolde.
See Note on the previous poem, 1. 686.

P. 122, st. xlvi. 1. 5. Stones ofiral they strenhel and strewe.

The absence of this and of numerous other terms which occur in the present and
following poems from Jamieson's Dictionary, induces me unwillingly to believe,
that his work was executed but carelessly. The Doctor, had he pleased, might
have found the word repeated in another piece he professes to have consulted.

Hir peytrelle was of irale fyne,

Hir cropoure was of orphare,

And als clerc golde hir brydille it schone j

One aythir syde hange bellys three.

T/iomas off Ersyldoune, MS. Line, A. 1. 17, f. U9b.

The meaning of the term, I confess, I am ignorant of. This practice of
wearing precious stones on the armour became very general during the fourteenth

NOTES. 335

and fifteenth centuries, and the allusions to it in this and the succeeding poem are
. rtremely frequent. So in a curious passage in the inedited Morte Arthur e:

Thane ryse; the riche kynge, and rawghte one his wedys ;

A reedde actone of Rosse, the richeste of floures,

A pesane, and a paunsone, and a pris girdelle,

And one he henttes a hode of scharlette fulle riche j

A Pauys pillione hatt, that pighte was fulle faire

W perry of the oryent, and precyous stones ;

His gloues gayliche gilte, and grauene by the hemmys,

W graynes of rubyes, fulle gracious to schewe.

MS. Line. A. 1, 17, f. 89b.

P. 125, st. li. 1. 4-. Syr Owayne fyt$ Uryene, and Arruke, fulle rathe,
Marrake, and Menegalle, that masie were of myghte.

The reading of the Douce MS. Arrakji) Lake, is the more preferable. See with
regard to this hero and Sir Owayne, the notes on the previous poem, 11. 113, 551
The third on the list is called Syre Mewreke in the romance of Syre Gawene and
the Carle of Carelyle, 1. 34-, and appears to be the same as " Sir Marroh, the good
knyghte, that was bitrayed with his wyf, for she made him seuen yere a werwolf,"
in Malory's Morte d Arthur, ii. 385, and on a similar story is founded the Lai de
Bisclaveret of Marie, ed. Roquefort, tome i.p. 179. For Menegalle (JMoylard, MS.
Douce,) we should perhaps read Menadeuke, a knight of Arthur's table frequently
joined to the former, as in the following passage :

Sir Eivayne and Sir ErraJce, and othire gret lordes ;
Demenys the medilwarde menskefully thare aftyre,
With Merrake and Menyduke, myghtly of strenghes.

MS. Line, 95b.

Both of these heroes were slain in the battle against Mordred. Ibid. f. 97b.

P. 126, st. lii. 1. 4. Gryffons castelle, etc.

I must leave the illustration of this and the two following lines to those who may
be more able to give it than myself. The readings of the Douce MS. make the
localities still more perplexing than in the text.

336 NOTES.

P. 126, st. liii. 1. 2. Alle the landes and the lythes,fra Lowyke to Layre,

The Lebynge, the Lowpynge, the Leveastre He.

To elucidate the names of places probably disfigured by the English scribes
of the MSS. requires more local knowledge than I possess, and no assistance
has been derived from Macpherson's Geographical Illustrations, 4to, 1796, who
ought to have had the passage before him. I heartily recommend the task to some
Scotish antiquary.

P. 128, end. In Yggillwode foreste, at the Ternwathelayne.

Inglewood forest in Cumberland was of great extent, being sixteen miles long
and ten broad, lying between the rivers Shawk and Eden, and reaching from Car-
lisle to Penrith. It formerly abounded with deer, wild swine, and other beasts of
the chace. In the Chronicle of Lanercost, under the year 1280, it is said that king
Edward the First hunted there, and killed two hundred harts and hinds. The
writer of the poem therefore in making this the scene of Arthur's adventure, ren-
ders his romance authority of greater credit, by its being supported by historical
probability.

(^olagros anti ^atoane.

THE present poem is so intimately connected with the preceding one in subject
and style, that the authorship of both has been almost by general consent
ascribed to one and the same writer, and consequently to the same period. Unfor-
tunately no manuscript of the work is now known to exist, either in Scotland or
England, and the only copy that can be traced is the one formerly contained
in the Asloan MS. in the Auchinleck library, written about 1515, but sub-

NOTES. 337

sequently, together with many other pieces of interest, severed from the volume. In
the index of contents still remaining it is entered as " Sir Golagrits and Sir Gawane."
For its preservation from total oblivion we are indebted to the earliest efforts of the
Scotish press, established at Edinburgh, in 1508, by Chepman and Myllar, and it
is, perhaps, owing to the popularity of their edition, that we find Gauen and Golla-
gras mentioned among the tales enumerated in the Complaynte of Scotland, 1549.
In Lyndsay's Historie of Squyer Meldrum, composed about the same period, we
also read,

Rolland with Brandwell, his bricht brand,
Faucht never better, hand for hand,
Nor Gawin aganis Gologrus,
Nor Olyver with Pharambras.

Vol. ii./j. 296, ed. 1806.

From the unique copy of the black-letter 4to edition of 1508, preserved in the
Advocates' Library, it was negligently reprinted by Pinkerton in his Scolish Poems,
vol. iii. pp. 67-123, who divided it into four parts, and added an argument to each ;
and it appeared again, together with other pieces of Chepman and Myllar, in a limited
fac-siinile impression at Edinburgh in 1827. From this volume (which is now
become extremely scarce, owing to a fire having destroyed most of the copies,) it is
here reproduced in ordinary type, with no other changes than a substitution of the
Saxon ]> for its inadequate representative y, the rejection of obvious errors of the
press (which are, however, retained at the foot of the page), and the use of regular
punctuation, which is wholly omitted in the original.

I have already had occasion to advert to the error of Scott and others, in as-
signing these poems to the thirteenth century ; an opinion chiefly founded " on the
comparative absence of French words and phraseology, so fashionable in Scotland
after the time of Robert Bruce." [1306-1329.] Now we learn from a curious
passage in the inedited Latin chronicle attributed to Walter of Coventry, that as
early as the reign of William the Lion the Scotish court had adopted the manners,
dress, and even language of France', and this taste continued to prevail more or
less to a comparatively recent period, and must have had considerable influence on
Scotish literature in general. That such was the case at the close of the fourteenth
century we have abundant proof in the various poems presumed to have been com-

1 " Moderniores enim Scottorum reges magis se Francos fatentur, sicut genere, ita moribus, lingua,
culm, Scotisque ad extremam servitutem redactis, solos Francos in familiaritatem et obsequium ad-
hibent."— Memor. Histor. ad am. 1212, MS. C.C.C.C.

2 x

338 NOTES.

posed by Huchowne, which exhibit not only a familiar acquaintance with French
compositions, but abound with words and phrases borrowed from that language.
Yet, as it is nearly certain on other grounds that the present poem was composed
in the first half of the fifteenth century, the argument of Scott necessarily falls
to pieces. But the author of the prefatory remarks to the fac-simile reprint, in
4to, 1827, writes thus, "Had this romance, like so many of the English metrical
romances, been a translation, it is unlikely that the author would have encum-
bered himself with such an intricate mode of versification ; and therefore, it may
be entitled to claim the praise of an original composition." — p. 8. To this it may-
be replied, that there is no reason why a Scotish writer, even when translating
or imitating a foreign original, should not use whatever form of verse was popular
in his own country (as in the case of Rauf Coifyear), and that this peculiar allite-
rative stanza was the most cultivated is evident from the numerous poems still re-
maining in it, even so late as the sixteenth century. But without further " fending
and proving," the plain fact is this ; that the author of Gologras and Gawane has
borrowed the entire outline of his romance from the French Roman de Perceval.
An abridgement of the original, as it appears in the prose version, printed in
1530, will best serve to shew the close imitation of the Scotish writer, and the
fallacy of believing in " floating Celtic traditions."

King Arthur sets out with fifteen knights, amongst whom was Sir Gawayne, to undertake
the delivery of Girflet, son of Do, from the Chateau Orgueilleux, where he had Iain prisoner
for three years. They issue from a forest into a plain of great extent, where the king is so
fatigued with his journey and fasting, that he requires both meat and repose. They stop
under a tree, by the side of a fountain, and Gawayne points out to Kay (Keux), the Seneschal,
a mansion in a valle)', to which the latter at once proceeds, in the hope of procuring some
provisions. He finds only an old woman in the house, and no eatables of any sort; but the old
woman tells him, that at no great distance was a castle, built by the Seigneur de Meliolant,
where he generally amused himself with his hawks. She points it out to him, and Kay
perceives that it is well environed with fish-ponds, woods, meadows, windmills, and or-
chards, in the midst of which stood a fair tower. Kay spurs his horse, rides up, and passes
the drawbridge, but encountering nobody, he enters a spacious hall, and perceives a chimney
with a large fire burning in it, at which a dwarf is dibgently roasting a fat peacock on a spit
made of apple-tree wood. The Seneschal inquires if any other person is within, but the
dwarf does not deign to answer him, at which Kay is so angry, that he is near killing the
dwarf on the spot. He restrains himself however, and merely says, he will take the pea-
cock for his dinner, and for the king's repast. The dwarf swears he shall not have it, and
tells him he will fare ill, if he does not depart quickly. After some more mutual ill lan-
guage Kay strikes the dwarf such a blow, that he falls against the pillar of the chimney.
He cries out lustily, and at the noise a door opens, and a tall fair knight enters the hall, not

NOTES. 339

yet thirty years of age. He wore a robe of white samit, furred with ermine, and fastened by
a girdle of gold, of great value. He led a greyhound by a green silk lace, and when he saw
his dwarf bleeding, he asks of Kay why he had thus mal-treated his servant? The Seneschal
replies rudely, on which the knight inquires his name. On being told, he says, that he
would easily have been known by his manner of speaking, (a direct allusion to Kay the
crabbed) and adds, that as it is not the custom of his house to refuse any viands asked for,
Kay shall certainly have his share of the peacock. He then takes the bird, and strikes the
Seneschal with it on the neck so violently, that he falls flat on the floor. The peacock is
broken by the force of the blow, and the hot gravy runs in between the rings of Kay's hau-
berk, and scalds him cruelly, so that he bore the mark about his neck the remainder of his life.
The knight then throws the remains to his greyhounds, and tells the Seneschal to leave the
place ; two attendants turn him out, and he returns much mortified to Arthur, to whom he
relates what had taken place. Arthur does not credit Kay's representation, but sends Ga-
wayne. He is received courteously by the knight, who incites the king and his companions
to the mansion. They are entertained sumptuously, and Kay is ridiculed by all, the dwarf
not excepted. The knight then discloses his name, which is Ydier le Bel, and offers to ac-
company Arthur to the Chateau Orgueilleux, but this is declined, and on the following day
they take their leave.— fol. 103b — 105.

The above analysis comprehends the first eighteen stanzas of the poem before us.
Let us now proceed to another portion of the same romance.

Arthur and his knights, accompanied by Brandelis (who will figure also in the Jeaste of
Syr Gawayne), proceeds to the siege of the Chateau Orgueilleux (which is clearly identical
with the castle of Gologrus). Soon after their arrival a horn is sounded from the castle,
and on Arthur's inquiring the cause of Brandelis (who here takes the part of Spynagros), he
is told, it is to warn the country of the approach of their forces. Knights approach on all sides
to succour the lord of the castle, and three thousand shields and gonfanons are displayed from
the walls. Lucan, the royal butler, asks to have the honour of jousting on the first day,
which is granted. The place of combat is marked out by four olive trees, and the conditions
are such, that whoever passed the bounds, was to be accounted recreant, and detained.
Lucan forces his adversary from his horse, but contents himself with bringing back the steed
as a proof of his victory, leaving the knight in the field. He is blamed by Brandelis for so
doing, and on returning to the field, is encountered by another knight, wounded severely,
and taken prisoner. Brandelis goes out the following day, and brings back his opponent
prisoner to Arthur's camp. On the third day Kay undertakes the joust, and conquers his
opponent, but violates the rules by going beyond the boundaries. The bells of the churches
in the castle now sound, and Arthur is informed that the besieged are about to celebrate a
festival in honour of the Virgin. Arthur therefore spends the day in hunting, and Gawayne
rides out by himself, and meets the Riche Souldoyer, who is lord of the castle, and who had
an appointment with a lady. The night is passed in great joy by the besieged — "grand
bruit feirent menestriers, de eors, tabours,feuttes et trompes ajouer,"— until midnight. The

2x2

340 NOTES.

succeeding day Ywain has the joust, and takes his adversary prisoner, the son of Count
Blandigant of Ireland. Gawayne inquires of him who will joust on the next day, on the
part of the besieged. He is assured that the Biche Souldoyer himself means to come forth.
Gawayne asks of Arthur to be allowed the combat. It is granted, and Arthur lends him
his famous sword Escalibor. On Gawayne's coming into the field, a horn is heard to sound
four times, and is explained by Brandelis to signify by the first blast, that the Biche Souldoyer
was about to arm himself; by the second and third, that his jambes, cuisses, hauberk, and
helm were adjusted ; and by the fourth, that he was mounted. The combat between this re-
doubtable knight and Gawayne is conducted with great strength and valour on both sides,
and lasts till midday had passed. Gawayne sees his adversary's strength is failing, and
deals him such a blow, that both combatants fall prostrate on the earth. Gawayne, how-
ever, recovers himself first, and commands the knight to yield, who refuses, and only utters
some lamentations touching his mistress. Gawayne takes off the knight's helmet, who in-
quires his conqueror's name, and on learning it, he prays him for the sake of preserving the
life of his amie, to accompany him to the castle, promising that he would afterwards be at
the king's pleasure. Gawayne consents, and they return together. Arthur is utterly dis-
consolate, thinking his nephew is made prisoner, — " tel courroux en a le Boy pris, que plus
ue le peult regarder, ains s'en va sur ung lict gesir, ou de son manteau le chief se couvri/."
On the approach of the knight and Gawayne, the lady is summoned, and Gawayne pushes
his complaisance so far, as to give up his sword into her hands, and declares himself van-
quished. She is then sent away, under the pretence of furnishing the chambers above, and
as soon as she has left them, the knight causes Girflet, son of Do, and Lucan to be freed
from their imprisonment, and the four, having arrayed themselves in rich robes, ride to Ar-
thur's camp, to the great astonishment of the king and his barons. The Riche Souldoyer
then states the circumstances of his defeat, and concludes by doing homage to Arthur for
his lands, which is repeated by the knights his retainers. They feast and revel for a fort-
night, and Arthur then takes his departure for Britain. — fol. 113 — 118b.

It will readily be seen that this adventure occupies the remainder of the Scotish
poem, from the nineteenth stanza to the end.

P. 136, 1. 119. Schir Kay is crabbit ofkynde.

This is the constant character of Kay, both in the French and English romances
of the Round Table, and crabbed seems to have been the epithet peculiarly appro-
priated to him. See The Grene Knight, 1. 160; The Turke and Gowin, 1. 19;
and Carle of Carlile, 1. 147. This character of him is also alluded to in the inter-
lude of Thersites, (written in 1537,) in the passage,

Where art thou, Gawayne the curtesse, and Cay the crabbed?
Brit. Bibl. i. 172.

NOTES. 341

For further information respecting this worthy, see the Mabinogion, part i. p. 97 ;
and Southey's Notes to Morle d 'Arthur, ii. 459, 486.

P. 14-1, 1. 261. Than schir Spynagrose with speche spak to the king.
This name is not an invention, for among the knights of Arthur's court is men-
tioned " Syr Epynogrys that was the kynges sone of Northumberland," Morte d 'Ar-
thur, vol. ii. p. 385. He is mentioned in the Roman de Tristan, ii. f. xc, under the
name of " Espinogres tie de Sorolois," and in the Roman de Perceval, f. clxviii. A
knight of the same name occurs in the Conte de I'Atre Peri/leux, one of Sir Ga-
wayne's adventures. Bibl. des Romans, Juillet, 1777.

P. 143, 1. 302. And socht to the ciete of Criste.
I do not recollect any other authority for this expedition of Arthur to Jerusalem,
which seems to have been intended by the author as an imitation of Charlemagne's
equally imaginary but better known travels to the same city ; on which subject may
be consulted M. Michel's Preface to " Charlemagne, an Anglo-Norman poem of the
twelfth century," etc., 12mo, Lond., 1836.

R>id. 1. 310. To Rome tuhe the reddy way.
So reads the edition, but falsely. It should be Rone, as is evident by comparing
11. 585, 1345.

P. 144, 1. 339. And auenand schir Ewin.
See a previous note, p. 312.

P. 146, 1. 395. Schir Golagrus.
Whence this name? Can it be recognised in the Sir Galagars of Malory? vol. i.
p. 95.

P. 149, 1. 464. Gapund guntiys of brase.
If we may believe Barbour, (who died in 1 396,) the Scots first became acquainted
with the use of artillery in the year 1328, but this requires confirmation.

Twa noweltyis that day thai saw.
That forouth in Scotland had been nane ;
Tymmeris for helmys war the tane
That thaira thoucht thane off gret bewte ;

342 NOTES.

And al sua wondyr for to se;
The tothyr, erakys war off war,
That thai befor herd neuir er.

The Bruce, xiv. 16S, erf. Jamieson.

P. 152, 1. 545. Gaudifeir ;

Quhilum hi Britane that berne had baronyis braid.

Intended, apparently, for the personage who occurs in the romance of Perceforest,
as the hero's brother, and who was himself made king of Scotland by the conqueror
Alexander. See cap. xxviii. ed. fol. Par. 1531. I do not find his name among
Arthur's knights.

P. 153, 1. 557. Galiot.

This name as well as the remainder of those given to the knights on the side of
Golagros seem to have been invented by the writer.

P. 154, 1. 597. Schir Rannald.
He is mentioned in Malory's Morte d' Arthur, vol. i. p. 175 ; ii. 384.

P. 157, 1. 661. Schir Lyonel, etc.

For the first three of these knights, see a previous note, p. 313. The fourth,
Gyromalance (printed erroneously Siromelans in the prose edition of 1530), occurs
frequently in the Roman de Perceval. He fights with Sir Gawayne, and afterwards
marries Clarissant, the sister of his opponent, fol. liiib.

P. 160, 1. 747- Schir Cador of Cormvel, etc.

Consult note, ante p. 331. Although all termed "renkis of the Round Tabili,"
I have looked unsuccessfully for Schir Owales, or Oviles, Schir Iwell, or Schir My-
reot, unless the latter be Syr Melyot de Logres, in Malory's work, vol. ii. p. 383.

P. 165, 1. 878. Oft in romanis I reid,
Airly sporne, late speid.

If by romanis we are here to understand the French language, we have a pro-
verb equivalent to " Mauvaise haste iiest preus," in Renart le Nouvel, v. 1034,
written by Jacquemars Gielee at the end of the thirteenth century. But there is

NOTES. 343

a homely Scotish and English saying to the same effect,—" Mair haste the waur
speed, quoth the tailor to the lang threed." See Ramsay's Poems, vol. ii. p. 60, 12mo,
Glasg., 1797.

P. 167, 1. 934. With ane bitand brand, burly and braid,

Quhilk oft in battale had bene his bute and his belde.

It is stated in the Roman de Merlin, f. ccixb, that on occasion of the ceremony
of knighthood conferred on Sir Gawayne, Arthur girded his nephew with his famous
sword Escalibor, vol. i. f. ccixb, and we find the weapon remaining for a period in
Gawayne's hands, for one of his exploits with it is to cut down his father Loth,
whom he does not recognise till he alights to cut off his head. Ibid. vol. ii. f. liii.
So also in the Roman de Lancelot, i. f. cxxxib, Gawayne is represented as fighting
with Escalibor against Hector des Mares. At what period this sword was returned
to Arthur we are not informed, but we find it borrowed again at the time Sir Ga-
wayne is about to encounter the Riche Souldoyer. See Roman de Perceval, f. cxvii.
Instances of the fanciful epithets given by heroes to their swords abound in old ro-
mances, and Warton tells us in a note on Spenser's Fairy Queen, B. v. c. 3, st. 4,
that Sir Gawayne's sword was named Galantine. What authority he had for this
I am not aware, but I find something like it in the inedited Morte Arthure.

Then Syr Gawayne was glade, agayne hyme he rydej,
Wythe Galuthe, his gude swerde, graythely hyme hyttej ;
The knyghte one the coursere he cleuede in soudyre,
Clenlyche fro the croune his corse he dyuydyde.
And thus he kille3 the knyghte w' his kydd wapene.

MS. Line, A. 1, 17,/. 68.

In a MS. which formerly belonged to Dr. Macro, No. 18, and is now in the pos-
session of Hudson Gurney, Esq., written in the reign of Edward the First, 1 was
the first to discover the following curious memorandum at f. 42b, relative to the
sword of Gawayne : — " Hec est forma gladii Wahvyn militis : a puncto usque ad
hilte 53 pollices ; hyfte continet, ii. pollices et dimidii ; manicle prope, ii. pollices ;
pomes continet prope 8 pollices ; latitude 5 pollices ; longitudo in toto continet 66
pollices et dimidii. Unde scribere in canello gladii :

Ieo SU FORTH, TRENCHAUNT & DURE,

Galaa.n me fyth par mult grant cure.
Catorse a.nz Ihesu cristh.
Quant Galaam me trempa & fyth.

344 NOTES.

Sage feloun dett homme dutyr
& folh peloun e8chweh ;
folh deboneyre deporter,
& sage deboner amer."

In the Roman du St. Graal, vol. ii. f. cxli., may also be found an account of
wayne's winning the famous sword with which John the Baptist was decollates
which is afterwards presented to king Pescheor, the professor of the holy vessel.
And the reader may now decide for himself which sword it is that the author of the
poem alludes to.

P. 179, 1. 1233. Hectour, and Alexander, etc.
Six out of the eight names here mentioned are taken out of the number of the
nine worthies. The remaining three are Charlemagne, Godfrey of Boulogne, and
king Arthur. They are separately enumerated in the metrical Morte Arthure,
MS. Line, A. 1. 17, f. 89, and " Ane ballet of the Nine Nobles," printed in Laing's
Popular Poetry of Scotland, 4to, 1822. They made a figure not only in poetry, but
in pageantry and tapestry.

P. 182, I. 1313. .... fra thyne vnto Ronsiwall.

I presume the allusion here refers to the fatal scene of Charlemagne's overthrow
at Roncevalles.

tytt (Siatoene anti tj)e Carle of Carelple*

THIS romantic tale is here printed for the first time from an unique copy dis-
covered in one of the MSS. of the Porkington Library, No. 10, belonging
to William Ormsby Gore, Esq., M.P., written at the close of the reign of Henry
the Sixth. It is more particularly interesting from its being the original from which

NOTES. 345

the modernised copy in the Percy MS. was taken. The question, therefore, of the
genuineness and antiquity of the romance-poems (as distinguished from the longer
and better known romances,) in this celebrated MS. would seem to be decided, for
as hen of these poems, namely, The Grene Kniylit and The. Carle of Carlile, have
been preserved in MSS. of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, it is not too
much to suppose, that the rest of the tales in the volume of a similar descrip-
tion, although written at so late a period as the latter half of the seventeenth cen-
im\. wore derived from ancient texts, which may yet be lurking in the unex-
plored treasures of some cathedral, collegiate, or private library.

The original of this story must be sought for in the literature of the continent,
and we find it in the beautiful fabliau of Le Chevalier a TEpee, printed in Meon's
Recueil, tome i. p. 127, 8vo, 1823, and previously analysed by Le Grand. Both
works are so well known as to render any repetition of it here unnecessary.

P. 188, 1. 3-1. Syre Mewreke.
See previous note, p. 335.

Ibid. 1. 35. Syre Key Cantocke.

I do not understand the meaning of this appellation added to the name of Kay.
In Malory, we have " Kay the Straunger," vol. ii. p. 403, but this is a corruption
of Keux cTEstraux, who repeatedly occurs in the French romances, and who was a
different personage from the Seneschal.

Ibid. 1. 38. Syre Percivalle.

The nephew of king Pescheor, guardian of the Sangreal, whose adventures oc-
cupy a quarto volume, printed in 1530. In the Thornton MS. at Lincoln is an
English metrical abridgement of this romance, but so indifferently executed, as
scarcely to be worth printing.

Ibid. 1. 39. Lanfalle

Is the hero of a lay by Marie de France, printed in Roquefort's Edition, tome i.
p. 202, of which an English translation, made in the fifteenth century, is inserted
in Way's Fabliaux, vol. iii. p. 233, 8vo, 1815, and Ritson's Metrical Romances,
vol. i.

346 NOTES.

Ibid. 1. 40. Syre Eioeyne the Vytt yan.

There is some blunder here. Perhaps we should read Wytt hand, which would
express the epithet given to Ywain as Blanches Mains. See Morte a" Arthur, i.
231.

Ibid. 1. 41. Syre Lot of Laudyane.

The father of Gawayne, and king of Lothian and Orkney. Geoffr. Monm. lib. ix.
cap. 9.

Ibid. 1. 43. Syre Gaytefere and Syre Galerowne.

The first of these is probably the Gaudifeir, previously mentioned, p. 342, and
the latter is the Galeron of Galloway, whose exploits are commemorated in the
Awntyrs of Arthure.

Ibid. 1. 44. Syre Costantyne, and Syre Raynbrowne,
TTie kny^t of annus grene.

Sir Constantyne has occurred before, p. 331. Of the latter I know nothing as
one of Arthur's knights, but it Mould appear from 1. 68, that he was the son of
Iroune-syde by the maiden of Blauncheland. A knight of the same name occurs
in the romance of Guy of Warwick.

Ibid. 1. 49. The hyngus vncull Syre Mordrete.

For uncle we should read nephew. In the modern version of this romance, p. 257,
and in the Marriage of Sir Gatoaine, p. 289, he is called Arthur's cousin, but this
is a general term of relationship.

Ibid. 1. 52. Syre Yngeles.

Of this personage, any more than of Syre Grandone, or Syr Ferre-unkowthe.
1. 61, I have found no record.

Ibid. 1. 55. Syre Le Byus Dyskonus was thare.

This is no less a person than Giglan, the son of Gawayne, who received the sur-
name of Le Beau Desconu from king Arthur, on his first arrival at that monarch's
court. According to the Roman de Perceval he was the illicit offspring of an
amour between Gawayne and Guinalorete, the sister of Brandelys ; and an inter-

NOTES. 347

esting scene occurs, in which the mother interposes her child between her brother
and lover, whilst struggling in mortal combat, fol. cxi. He is committed to the
can^ of the Pueelle Envoisic, and achieves various adventures, from one of which he
obtains the surname of Lyoncel. At length he encounters his father (who is un-
known to him,) and after a fierce combat, Gawayne recognises his son, and yields
himself. The young hero is then taken to Arthur's court at Caerleon, and receives
instructions in all chivalrous exercises from Ywain. Ibid.ff. cxxiv, cxxv. The ad-
ventures of Giglan form the subject of a very rare distinct prose French romance,
which was printed at Paris without date, and afterwards at Lyons, in 1530. In this
he is said to be the son of Gawayne by the fairy BlanchevalUe. There is also an
English romance, on the same subject, expressly stated to be borrowed from the
French, but differing almost entirely from the prose work. It is printed by Ritson
in vol. ii. of his Metrical Romances, and many of the incidents seem to have been
supplied by the romance of Erec et Enide, composed by Chrestien de Troyes.
That there existed, however, a French metrical romance as early as the twelfth
century on the exploits of Giglan, is proved by the German romance of Wiyolais
in it if tin Rade, translated from the French by Wirnt von Gravenbereh, about the
year 1212. In this poem the name of Wigolais is intended to represent Gui le Ga-
lois, 1. 1574. In the English romance (1. 7) his name is written Geynleyn, and in
Malory's Morte d Arthur, vol. i. p. 337, ii. pp. 383, 392, Gyngalyn. For further
information concerning the versions of this romance, see Benecke's preface to his
edition of Wigolais, 12mo, Berl. 1819.

P. 189, 1. 58. Syr Petty -pas of Wynchylse

Is mentioned in the Morte d Arthur, vol. ii. p. 383, and elsewhere, and occurs also
in the list of knights given in Robinson's " Auncient ordre of Prince Arthur," etc.,
4to, 1583, No. 54.

Ibid. 1. 64. Syr Blancheles and Iron-side.

In the modern version, p. 257, Blanch Faire is substituted for Blancheles, but
as no knight of that name occurs, in all probability we should read Brandelys, of
whom more hereafter. The second knight is mentioned in Malory's compilation as
" Syre Ironsyde, that was called the noble knyjte of the reed laundes, that Syre
Gareth [brother of Gawayne] wanne for the loue of dame Lyones," vol. ii. p. 384.
The narrative of the combat may be read in vol. i. p. 21 1.

2 y2

348 NOTES.

Ibid. 1. 71. Blanehe-londe.

The Seigneur de la Bkmnche lo/ide is noticed as one of Arthur's knights, in the
Roman, de Perceval, f. lxsi. Cf. f. clxxib. See in regard to this territory a note of
M. Michel on Tristan, ii. 173.

P. 205, 1. 631. A knyghte of the Table Rownde.

No knight of this name occurs in the French romances of the Round Table, nor
in the Morte d'Arthure of Malory.

P. 206, 1. 655. And there yn monkys gray.

A house of Gray or Franciscan friars existed at Carlisle before the year 1390.
See Tanner's Notit. Monast. edit. Nasmith, fol. 1787.

Cj)e Jieaste of ^>pr d^atoapne.

THIS imperfect poem is taken from a small quarto MS. which was purchased
at the Fairfax sale at Leeds castle in 1831, and subsequently came to the
hands of Mr. Douce, who bequeathed it with the rest of his books to the Bodleian
Library. The volume was written in 1564, as appears by a date at the end, and
contains several other romances, all unfortunately more or less imperfect, and all, ap-
parently, transcribed from early black-letter editions. Each romance is illustrated
with rude drawings, and from their style, as well as the age of the MS. it is evident
that the collection was made by the same hand which transcribed the romance of
Roberte the Deuyll, printed by J. Herbert in 1798. No copy of the original, from
which the present poem was copied, is now known to exist ; but it appears from
the Stationers books, that in 1557 or 1558 John Kynge had a license to print "A

NOTES. .349

Jeaste of Syr Gawayne," and among Bagford's Collections, MS. Harl. 5927, art. 32,
is preserved the last leaf of another edition in black letter, " Imprynted at London
in Paule churehe yarde, at the sygne of the raaydens heed, by Thomas Petyt," con-
taining fifty- three lines, which have been collated with the text in the MS., and the
variations, which are trifling, noted in the margin. It is no doubt this romance
which is alluded to, under the title of " Sir Gawt/n" by Laneham, in his letter de-
scribing the entertainment of the Queen at Kenilworth in 1575. Of what antiquity
tin story may have been in an English dress, it is difficult to form an opinion, but
1 should be inclined to refer it to the fifteenth century. The original author, how-
ever, in this instance, as in so many others, is French, and in the Roman tie Per-
ceval, f. lxxivb, we meet with the entire story. As the commencement of the ad-
vi nture is wanting in the MS., a ihorl anal) sis of the French narrative may not be
out of place.

Gawayne leaves king Arthur at the siege of the city of Branlant, at which he had himself
been severely wounded. He crosses a deep river, and rides along a beautiful plain to a wood,
on emerging from which he finds himself in a spacious launde, on which he perceives, by the
side of a fountain, a magnificent pavilion raised. The valances were of fine silk of different
colours, richly embroidered in gold and silver with flowers, foliage and birds, whilst above
the ball on the summit was a golden eagle. He dismounts and enters the pavilion, where
he sees a sumptuous bed, on wdiich lay a lovely girl, "qui si formellement belle esloit, (jut-
pour ce temps n'pust He trouve la pareille." Gawayne is exceedingly surprised at her beauty,
and accosts her courteously- In reply she says, " Dieu qui fist soir el matin doint honneur
nu chevalier Gauvain ; puis ii rous qui rstes icy!" He inquires why she expresses herself
thus, and in explanation learns, that from the fame of Gawayne's great prowess, courtesy,
and other qualities, she has long been accustomed to use such terms. The knight then dis-
closes himself, and unlaces his helmet, to shew his features, on which the lady retires to an
adjoining room, and calls to her a Saracen damsel, who had been fiile tie chambre to queen
Chambres, and who had pourtrayed in embroider)' the portrait of Gawayne so exactly, as to
be recognised by all who saw it. Whilst she is contemplating his features. Sir Gawayne
disarms himself, and puts on a splendid mantle. On the lady's return she at once acknow-
ledges the original of her picture, and runs to embrace him, kissing his eyes "par grant
amour," and saying, " Sire, lapucelle, comme voyez, du tout se meet it nostra baudon, et de sou
corps vous faict present, tout par amours et en honneur, si vous plaist it la reeepvoir." Of
course the knight is not insensible of the value of such a gift, — " et puis se mirent it deviser
dujeu d' amours, sans rillennie, et apres s' enlrejouerent , en ensuivant le doulx purler, que le nam
de pucelle perdist." Gawayne at length takes leave of her, and immediately after his de-
parture arrives her father, the king of Lys, and on learning what had occurred, pursues the
knight, and accuses him of the death of his brother, and the violation of his daughter. Ga-
wayne overthrows him with a mortal blow, and pursues his way. Shortly after, Brandelvs

350 NOTES.

the lady's brother, makes his appearance at the pavilion, and on hearing the same story,
rides after and overtakes the author of the injury. They encounter each other fiercely, and
are both thrown to the ground, but continue the combat with their swords until they are both
weary. Gawayne at length proposes a cessation of arms, and to renew the combat when-
ever they should again meet. This is agreed to, and the combatants separate. Brandelys
carries the corpse of his father to an abbey, to be honourably interred ; and Gawayne returns
to Arthur's host at the siege of Branlant, but is so enfeebled by his wounds as to require
the attendance of physicians for six months before he was perfectly recovered.

At a subsequent part of the romance (f. cv.), the continuation of Gawayne's
adventure is thus related.

Arthur and his court arrive at a stately castle, which proves to be the residence of Brandelys .
They find a sumptuous banquet prepared for some guest, and no less than a hundred wild-
boars' heads provided! Whilst at the feast Gawayne discovers the shield of Brandelys hanging
up, and recollecting the terms of their agreement, hastens to replace his helmet on his head,
which he had laid aside. On being questioned as to the cause, he relates his adventure at
the pavilion, which differs so considerably from the preceding narrative, as justly to excite the
surprise of Southey, Pref. to Morte d' Arthur, p. xxvi. In this version of the story Gawayne
states, that on arriving at the pavilion he found the lady asleep, and struck by her beauty, he
took off his helmet, and kissed her several times so softly, as not to awaken her, except a faint
remonstrance of "Beau sire, laissez may dormir." At last she awoke, and inquired who he was.
He says, her amy, but she bids him fly, for fear of the vengeance of her father and brothers.
He tells his name, and is then courteously welcomed. Gawayne afterwards disarmed him-
self, and proceeds with his tale thus, — " Puis m' allay coucher auprcs d'elle, comrne povr faire
mon delict ; les yeulx lay baise et le visaige, qu'elle plus blans que lys avail, et depuis feis si
grand oultraige, qu' a force la despucellay, quelque deffence qu'elle sceust faire." The lady
was in the utmost grief, and fainted in Gawayne's arms, when Melians de Lys, one of her
brothers, arrived, and bursting into the pavilion, loaded Gawayne with reproaches. The
knight made every submission, and offered to marry the lady, but Melians reviled them both,
and insisted on having recourse to arms. They fought, and the brother was struck dead on
the first encounter. The father then came up, and shared the same fate, much to the grief
of Gawayne. Lastly arrived Brandelys, and having refused the conciliatory offers of the
offender, a combat took place, as previously narrated.

It is evident that the author of the English romance has adopted the latter nar-
rative, merely changing the names of the parties, and introducing a few additions
of his own. The sequel of the adventure, omitted by the English writer, is thus
told in the original text.

Brandelys, on hearing that his foe was within his castle, hastens to takes revenge. As it
was now late in the evening, candles are sent for, and a furious combat ensues by their light

NOTES. 351

betweea Gawayne and his opponent. At this juncture the lady (whose name we subse-
quently learn to be Guinalorete,) makes her appearance with her child Giglain, whom she
interposes between its father and uncle. Brandelys, so far from being softened by the sight,
brutally kicks the child away, which excites the indignation of Arthur. The fight is re-
sumed, and Brandelys is at length struck down. The lady again interposes, and her en-
treaties being seconded by the interference of the king and his nobles, Brandelys is persuaded
to yield, and the adventure terminates by his being made a knight of the Round Table, and
granting forgiveness to the penitent Gawayne, who begs it on his knees.

The compiler of the Morte d' Arthur does not insert this episode in his works but
has a distinct allusion to the circumstance, when he says, " Thenne came in Syr
Gawayne, with his thre sones, Syr Gyngleyn, Syr Florence, and Sir Louel ; these
two were begoten upon Sir Brandyles syster ; and al they fayled." — Vol. ii. p. 383.
Sir Brandelys was subsequently, together with Florence and Louel, slain by Lance-
lot du Lac and his party, at the rescue of queen Guenever. Ibid. ii. 401, 403.

P. 217, 1. 347. Tlueron of pleasaunce a kerclieyf dyd honge.

See Meyrick's Glossary to his Critical Inquiry, in v. Kercheffof Plesaunce. It
was sometimes worn on the arm. But a lady's favour was occasionally in another
shape, as we learn from the Roman de Perceval, f. lxxxiii. " Et pour sccretement
/aire cete chose asscavoir a A/ardin par signe, luy donna la manche de sa cotte, que
nous appellons mancherons, de quoy il feist ung gonfanon ou banerolle a sa lance."
Cf. Malory, ii. 332.

P. 219, 1. 422. Syr Gawayne saide, " Syr, I the praye, etc.

So also in the original text, " II me semble, franc cheva/lier, resjtond Gauvain,
que vous deussiez plus honestcmeiit ou plus prudentement parler, car se je vous ay

faict md dommaige, je suis lout prest de Vamender, au loz de tons noz bons amys,
mais que n'y perde mon honneur ; mais quant a la trahison que vous me mettez Sltx.

je men veulx centre r<»is deffendre." — f. lxxvb.

352 NOTES.

%i)t 0xn\t &mgf)t

COPIED in 1831 by permission of the late Mrs. Samuel Isted of Ecton Hall,
Northamptonshire, (eldest daughter of the Bishop of Dromore,) from the
Percy Manuscript. It is noticed in the list of Romances prefixed to the third vo-
lume of the " Reliques of Ancient Poetry," p. xxxvii. ed. 179-t, and was considered
of sufficient interest by the Bishop to be transcribed, for the purpose of insertion in a
subsequent edition. The singular volume which contains it may be assigned to the
latter half of the seventeenth century, and abounds with inaccuracies of the scribe or
compiler. It is here, however, printed literatim from the MS., except in cases where
correction is absolutely necessary, and the corrupt readings are then thrown to
the bottom of the page. Had Bishop Percy adopted the same plan, when printing
his Ballads, even the hypercriticism of Ritson might have been satisfied. It will
readily be admitted, I presume, that the Scotish romance at the beginning of the pre-
sent volume is the original from which the later tale has been borrowed; but that it
may have existed in some intermediate shape, is rendered highly probable by an entry
in the inventory of English books belonging to Jolui Paston of Norfolk, made in the
reign of Edward the Fourth, in which occurs " Tlie Greene Kniyht." Oriy. Letters,
vol. ii. p. 300, 4to, 1787-

The changes made in the story, in its recent form, are very remarkable, and serve
to shew the extent and character of the license assumed by minstrels and poetasters,
in reciting the compositions of their predecessors, or in borrowing from foreign
sources. The fairy Moryana of the ancient romance is here changed into Ayyteb,
a witch, who is endowed with the power of transposing human forms ; and instead
of the Grene KniyMs visit to Arthur's court being made for the purpose of an-
noying Guenever, it is here designed by the old witch as a means of alluring Ga-
wayne to her daughter's arms. The general outline is, however, precisely the same,
but the narrative much abridged in the rifacimento. It is somewhat remarkable,
that the latter places the scene " in the West Countrye," instead of the North, as
one would have expected to find it.

NOTES. 353

1'. 224, 1. 13. He made the Round Table for their behove,
I ' none of than shold sift aboue.

The earliest authority for this tradition is Wace, who inserts it in his translation
of Geoffrey, and adds, that the Round Table was instituted by Arthur for the pur-
pose of avoiding disputes of precedence among his knights. See the passage in
Le Roux de Lincy's edition, tome ii. p. 74, 8vo, 1836. Robert of Brunne translates
this literally in the inedited portion of his Chronicle, f. 62b, MS. Inner Temple Li-
brary, No. 511. 7. Lajamon goes further, and not only gives the history of the
table at much greater length, but adds from some source at present unknown, a
narrative of a quarrel which was the more immediate cause of the institution.
In an inedited romance on the subject of Arthur, preserved in the Red Book of
Bath, of the fifteenth century, I find the following lines on the subject :

At Cayrlyoun, w' oute fable

He let make the Rounde Table,

And why th' he maked hyt thus

This was the resoun y-wyss,

That no man schulde sytt aboue other,

Ne haue indignacioun of hys brother.

And alle had oo seruyse,

For no pryde scholde aryse.

For any degree of syttynge.

Other for any seruynge.

P. 225, 1. 40. Sir Bredbeddle.

On what authority the Green Knight is thus named I am ignorant, but in this
case it is no mistake of the scribe, for we meet with the same personage again in
the ballad of Arthur and the King of Cornwall. He can scarcely be meant for the
individual who is surnamed also the Grcne Knyght in the Morte d 'Arthur, and
whose real name was Pertilope, the brother of Sir Persaunt and Sir Perymore, all
of whom were defeated by Sir Gareth, younger brother of Sir Gawayne. See
vol. i. pp. 196, 223 ; ii. p. 385.

P. 227, 1. 92. Att a castle of Flatting was his dwelling,
In the Forrest of Delamore.

The forest of Delamere is an immense tract of wood and waste in Cheshire, and
was formerly well stocked with deer. Of the Castle of Flatting I have found no

2 z

354 NOTES.

mention elsewhere. It is, doubtless, a corruption. See Ormerod's Cheshire, vol. ii.
p. 50, fol., 1819.

P. 239, 1. 461. He hard him whett afauehion bright.
Compare the lines in the original, 1. 2203, p. 81.

P. 240, I. 465. 7/ behooueth thee to lowte.

In the margin of the MS. Dr. Percy has noted after this line, " some great omis-
sion here." I confess I do not perceive it.

P. 241, 1. 506. To the Castle of Button can they fare.

Perhaps the manor of Hutton in Inglewood forest, Leath ward, Cumberland, is
here intended. See Nicolson and Burn's Hist. Cumb., ii. 388, or Hutchinson, i.
506. There is also Hatton Castle, in Allerdale below Derwent, in the same county.
The whole of the territory hereabout was romance-ground.

H>id. 1. 515. Why ktea of the Bathe weare the lace.

Compare the original text, 1. 2516, p. 92, which is very strangely altered here.
The lace alluded to was of white silk, and worn on the left shoulder, as early as the
reign of Richard the Second. See Anstis's " Observations upon the Knighthood of
the Bath," 4to, 1725, pp. 9, 32, 35, 75. From a curious passage in Lord Herbert
of Cherbury's Life, written by himself, 4to, 1764, p. 54, we learn that the practice
was still observed in the reign of James the First, and that the Knights were obliged
to wear the lace until they had done something famous in arms, or till some lady of
honor had taken it on0.

NOTES. 355

%\)t Cutfee anti <£ototn*

FROM the Percy Manuscript, and hitherto unpublished. The commencement
of this singular romance-tale is evidently founded on a different version of
the adventure related in the Grene Knyghl, who is here transformed into a Turk,
or, in other words, a Pagan. The poem, unfortunately, is very imperfect, and the
connexion is not always obvious, but the story seems to run thus. After the buffet
has been given by Gawayne, the Turk goes away, accompanied by the knight, and
they repair to a castle, where the counter-buffet is demanded by the Turk. We next
find them, after this proof of Gawayne's courage, sailing over the sea as friends, and
they arrive at a castle inhabited by the King of Man, (who is a heathen Soldan,) and
a rout of giants. A trial of skill takes place at tennis, in which Gawayne is assisted
by the Turk, who passes for the knight's boy. Other trials of strength follow,
which end in the discomfiture of the giants. The Soudan and one of his rout lay
some plan to kill Gawayne, but are prevented by the Turk, who puts on a coat to
make him invisible, and throws the giant into a boiling cauldron of lead, and the
Soudan into the fire. After this, to complete the adventure, the Turk desires Ga-
wayne to strike off his head, who at first refuses, but on his compliance, in the place
of the Turk rises up a stalworth knight, who immediately sings Te Deuni, by way
of thankfulness, and to prove his orthodoxy. By this feat the ladies and knights
confined in the castle are delivered from thraldom, and the kingdom of Man having
first been offered by Arthur to Gawayne, who refuses it, it is bestowed on Sir Gromer,
the quondam Turk, as a recompense for his services.

From the versification, this poem evidently proceeds from the same hand which
composed the preceding one ; nor will it, perhaps, be wrong to assign to one hand
the greater part, if not the whole, of the romance-stories in the Manuscript.

P. 255, 1. 318. Sir Gromer.

This name is probably borrowed from the Morte d Arthur, in which " Syr Gruin-
more Grummursum, a good knyghte of Scotland," is mentioned, vol. i. p. 229, and
elsewhere.

2 z 2

356 NOTES.

Carle off Carlile,

FROM the Percy Manuscript, and printed for the first time. It is most cer-
tainly a rifacimento of the older romance in the Porkington MS., and retains
not only words but entire lines of the original. Some few alterations, however, as
a matter of course, are introduced ; and at the end of the poem an incident is in-
serted, altogether omitted in the older copy, namely the striking off the Carle's head,
which corresponds nearly with the similar performance in the tale of Ttie Ttirke and
Gowin. The Notes on the earlier text may be referred to for illustration of the
present poem.

^tng $rt{mr an* tlje Bing of Cornwall

FROM the same Manuscript, and hitherto inedited. It has no title, and the first
line has been cut away by the ignorant binder to whom the volume was
intrusted, but both are supplied from the notice given of the ballad in the Disser-
tation prefixed to vol. iii. of the " Reliques," p. xxxvii. Dr. Percy lias added in the
margin of the MS. these words, " To the best of my remembrance, this was the first
line, before the binder cut it." The poem is very imperfect, owing to the leaves
having been half torn away to light fires (!) as the Bishop tells us, but I am bound

NOTES. 357

to add, previous to its coming into his possession. The story is so singular, that it
is to be hoped an earlier and complete copy of it may yet be recovered. On no ac-
count perhaps is it more remarkable, than the fact of its close imitation of the fa-
mous (/tilis made by Charlemagne and his companions at the court of king Hugon,
which are first met with in a romance of the twelfth century, published by M.
Michel from a MS. in the British Museum, 12mo, Loud., 1836, and transferred at
,i later period to the prose romance of Gulien Rethore, printed by Verard, fol. 1500.
and often afterwards. In the absence of other evidence, it is to be presumed that
the author of the ballad borrowed from the printed work, substituting Arthur for
Charlemagne, Gawayne for Oliver, Tristram for Roland, etc., and embellishing his
story by converting king Hugon's spy into a " lodly feend," by whose agency the gabs
are accomplished. It is further worthy of notice, that the writer seems to regard
Arthur as the sovereign of Little Britain, and alludes to an intrigue between the
king of Cornwall and queen Guenever, which is nowhere, as far as I recollect,
hinted at in the romances of the Round Table.

P. 276, 1. 26. Sir Marramiles and Sir Tristeram.

As four knights accompanied the king, a line would seem to be wanting here,
containing the names of Sir Gaicayne and Sir Bredbeddle. Of the remaining two,
Sir Tristeram is sufficiently well known, but of Sir Marramiles I am unable to sup-
ply any information.

P. 283, 1. 195. " Sayes, sleep you, make you, noble King Arthur?"

This is a phrase which seems to have been popular at the end of the sixteenth
century, and may, perhaps, mark the age of the ballad. See the song of Old Robin
of Portingale, in Percy, iii. 49, edit. 1794 ; Ravenscroft's Pammelia, 4to, 1609,
No. 30; and Scott's Border Minstrelsy, vol. i. p. 151, 8vo, 1803. It is alluded to
by Shakspere in King Lear, Act. iii. Sc. 5, where Edgar, repeating some snatches
of old ballads, says,

Sleepest or wakest thou, jolly shepherd ?

P. 284, 1. 210. T/te Grene knight.

This is Sir Bredbeddle, who has subdued the fiend Burlow-beanie by means of
the " litle booke," he carried about him. See a previous Note, p. 353.

358 NOTES.

jfertage of g>tr <£atoame*

THIS fragment is borrowed from the text of the Percy Manuscript, as given in
the " Reliques of Ancient English Poetry," vol. iii. p. 350, edit. 1794. Dr.
Percy supplied the deficiencies in a very ingenious manner, and inserted the ballad
thus amended in the first edition of his collection, 8vo, 1764, and repeated it in all
subsequent impressions ; but this mode of editing ancient poetry having justly been
blamed by Ritson and Pinkerton, die Bishop in the fourth edition annexed the frag-
ment, " with all its defects, inaccuracies and errata," in order to show the state of
the poem in the MS. Ritson reprinted the genuine and the amended texts in par-
allel columns in the Dissertation prefixed to his Metrical Romances, 8vo, 1802,
p. ex, and the ballad in its improved form was introduced also by Lewis into his
Tales of Wonder, vol. ii. p. 362, 8vo, 1 802. The Bishop was of opinion that this
poem was more ancient than the time of Chaucer, and that he borrowed from it his
Wife of Bathe stale (See Cambro-Briton, vol. i. p. 256, 8vo, 1820) ; and Sir Walter
Scott in a letter to George Ellis writes, that the tale of Sir Gawayne's Foul Lady is
originally Scaldic, as appears in the history of Hrolf Kraka, edited by Torfaus,
12mo, Havn. 1715, cap. vii. {Life, by Lockhart, vol. i. p. 334.) The passage itself
is quoted from the Saga by Scott in his Border Minstrelsy, vol. ii. p. 140, in illus-
tration of the old Scotish ballad of King Henrie, which preserves very remarkably
the legend of the Scandinavian monarch, Helgius.

Warton says in a note to his " History of English Poetry," vol. ii. p. 41, ed. 1824,
" I must not forget here, that Sir Gawaine, one of Arthur's champions, is celebrated
in a separate romance. Among Tanner's Manuscripts we have Tlie Weddynge of
Sir Gawaine, Numb. 455, Bibl. Bodl. It begins, ' Be ye blythe, and listeneth to
the lyf of a lorde riche.' " It would have given me much pleasure to have included
this romance in the present volume, but Warton's reference is erroneous, and
although the Rev. Dr. Bandinel with the greatest courtesy undertook a minute and
laborious search for the poem in question, it was without success. Warton's noto-

NOTES. 359

rious inaccuracy in matters of this sort forms a sad blot in his otherwise very useful
and entertaining work, of which a critical edition is still much desiderated.

P. 289, 1. 32. Tcarne-toadling.
See previous Note, in p. 330.

P. 293, 1. 116. Sir Lancelott and Sir Steven bold.

The name of the second of these champions docs not occur in the Round Table
romances.

Ibid. 1. 120. Soe did Sir Banier and Sir Bore,
Sir Garrett with them, soe gay.

Banier is probably a mistake for Beduer, the king's constable. Sir Bore is Bors
de Gauves. (See previous Note, p. 313.) Sir Garett is Gareth or Gaheriet, the
younger brother of Sir Gawayne ; and his adventures, under the surname of Beau-
ma i/ns, occupy an entire book, — the seventh, — in the Morte d" Arthur, vol. i. pp. 186
-245. He took the part of Lancelot against his brothers, but was accidentally killed
by him on the occasion of the rescue of queen Guenever. Ibid. vol. ii. p. 403.
Revenge for his loss prompted Sir Gawayne to induce king Arthur to cross the sea
to attack Lancelot, which ultimately proved the destruction of the whole of the
Table Rondc. Sir Walter Scott in a Note on Sir Trislrem, p. 379, ed. 1833,
quotes a "romance of Sir Gaheret," in which the knight plays at chess with a beau-
tiful fairy, [Floribelle, a suivante of the fairy Morgana,] and is vanquished, but
is afterwards liberated from his confinement by his cousin [brother] Gawayne,
who wins the game by a move long afterwards called I'echec de Gauvain, and now
I'echec du berger, or fool's-mate. In reality there is no such romance, but the ad-
venture here alluded to occurs in an episodical tale of Gawayne and his three bro-
thers, analysed in the Bibliotheque des Bomans, Juillet, 1777, pp. 87-122. I
may here venture to correct another venial error of Scott, who in the same work,
p. 416, quotes from Cower the lines,

There was Tristrem, which was beloved
With bele Isolde; and Lancelot
Stode with Guenor, and Galahote
With his lady.

Sir Walter argues, that Cower is here incorrect, since Galahaut or Galahad had

360 NOTES.

no paramour. But Gower is perfectly accurate, and alludes to Galleliault, king
of the loingtaines isles or de oultre les marches, whose mistress was Malchault, lady
in attendance on queen Guenever, and by whose instrumentality the intrigue of
Lancelot with her mistress was brought about. See the Roman de Lancelot, vol. i.
ff. lxxxiii-v, edit. 1513. Scott confounds this Galleliault with Galaad, the imma-
culate son of Lancelot, who accomplished the adventure of the Sangreal.

GLOSSARY.

ABBREVIATIONS.

AA. Awntyrs of Artbure.— AKC. Arthur and the King of Cornwall. — C. Carle of Carlile. — GC. Syre
Gawene and the Carle of Carelyle.— GG. Golagros and Gawane.— GK. Syr Gawayn and the
Grene Knyjt.— Gr.K. The Grene Knight.— J. Jeaste of Syr Gawayne.— MG. Marriage of Sir
Gawaine.— TG. The Turke and Gowin. — The numbers refer to the lines of each poem. Words
of frequent occurrence have a limited number of references. Those to which an obelus is pre-
fixed appear to be irregular forms, or errors.

fA, he, gc. 628.

A, in, as a-swounding, in swooning, Gr.K.

269. a-howe, in a row, c. 381.
Abaid, delay, gg. 55, 311,548. See Baid.
Abandonit, p.p. brought under subjection,

gg. 275.
Abatatlment, battlement, gk. 790.
Abloy, an exclamation used in hunting, ap-

rently borrowed from the French, and

equivalent to On.' On.' gk. 1174.
Abof, above, gk. 73, 112, 153.
Aboxe, above, gg. 579, Gr.K. 513.
A-boxe, excellently, well, j. 354. In the

form of i-bo7ie it occurs in Lajamon and

later poets, and is applied to animate or

inanimate objects.
Aboue.v, Abowne, above, gk. 2217. aa.

xxxviii. 11.

Aby, Abuy, to pay for, buy dear, and, in an

oblique sense, atone for, suffer,c.236, 264.
Achaufed, y>.*. warmed, gk. 883.
Acheue, to obtain, arrive, gk. 1107, 1838.

Acheued, p. t. 1081, 1857. See Chepe.
Acoles, pr. t. embraces, gk. 1936. Aco-

len, embrace, 2472.
Adoun, down, gk. 254.
Affere, countenance, demeanour, gg. 707.

See Feir.
Affray, fear, gg. 958. See Fray.
Afyaunce, trust, gk. 642.
After, afterwards, gk. 218.
+Aga.ne, probably a mistake for a gome, a

man, gg. 525.
A-gayn, towards, gc. 232. See Ajayn.
Aghlich, fearful, dreadful, gk. 136.

A-GONNE, tO gO, GC. 497.

a 3

364

GLOSSARY.

Ay, ever, gk. 26, 73,128,167,893. gg.1160.
Ay-quere,Ay-where, everywhere, gk. 599,

629, 745, 800.
Air, previously, before, gg. 157, 606. See

Are, Er.
Aire, Ayere, heir, aa. liii. 4.
Ayther, Aythire, either, gk. 841, 939,

1307- AA.xxxix. 6.
fAKER, perhaps an error for uch a, each,

every, gk. 1421.
+ Alce, also, likewise, gk. 2492.
Alder-truest, truest of all, gk. 1486.
Alderes, ancestors, gk. 95.
Algate, every way, gk. 141, always, c. 58.
Al-hal-day, All-hallows day, 1 November,

gk. 536.
Alkin, Alkyn, of all kind, (ealles cynnes.

Sax.) gg. 461, 794.
Allyns, altogether, gg. 207.
Almous-dedis, almsdeeds, aa.xx. 5.
Al one, alone, gk. 735, 2155. Alhymone,

Al his one, by himself, 749, 1048. See

One.
A-losed, p.p. praised, gk. 1512.
Als, Alse, also, likewise, gk. 270, 720, 933,

1627, etc. gg. 1171, 1250; as, gk. 1067.

AA.i. 2, etpass. (MS. Douce generally reads

As.) gg. 945.
Also, as, gc. 153.

Alther-grattest, greatest of all, gk. 1441.
Aluisch, elvish, having preternatural power,

gk. 681.
Amnant, pleasantly? gk.806.
A-monge, amidst, at intervals, gc. 437. c.220.
Amongez, amongst, gk. 1361.
An, on? gk. 1S08. if, Gr.K. 338.
An-hyjte, Ane HY3T, on high, gc 356,551.
Anairmit, p.p. armed, gg. 842.
Anamayld, p.p. enamelled, gk. 169.
And, if, gk. 1245, 1509, 1647. aa. xvi. 2.

gg.347. GC.189. J. 423. or.K. 36. tg.31.
Ane, one, gk. 223.
Ane-bak, aback, gg. 449, 987-
A-nelede, p. t. approached, gk. 723.
Anerdi s, pr. t. adheres, dwells with, gg. 4 10.
Angardez, gen.c. arrogance ? gk. 681. The

same word occurs as an adjective in the
Scotish alliterative Romance of Alexander :

Thire athils of Atenes, ther angard clerkis,
Than reuerenst thai the riche seele, and red
ouer the pistille.

MS. Ashm. 44,/. 40b.

It is possible that the word in both the

above instances should be spelt with a a.

See Jamieson, v. Ogart, and Roquefort's

Glossaire, v. Angarcle.
Anious, wearisome, fatiguing, gk. 535.
Anlas, pointed blade or spike, aa. xxx. 13,

MS. D. The reading of the Line. MS. is

a corruption.
Another, otherwise, gk. 1268.
Anterus, adventurous, gg. 393.
Apendes, Apendez, pr. t. appertains, be-
longs, gk. 623, 913.
Apert, openly, manifestly, gk. 154,2392.
Appertly, openly, aa. xix. 6.
Apparementis, adornments? aa. xix. 5.
Are, ere, previously, gk. 239, 1632, 1891.

aa. xxxi. 13. MS. D. gc. 197. See Air,

En.
Arered, p.p. retreated, gk. 1902.
Arewez,Arwes, Arwez, arrows, gk. 1160,

1455, 1460.
Arn, are, gk. '280, 1094.
Arsounez, Arsounz, saddle-bows, gk.

171, 602.
Ar;e, timid, fearful, gk. 241.
Arje, su bj. should wax timid, gk. 2301. Ar;ez,

pr. t. waxest timed, 2277. Arjed, p. t.

waxed timid, 1463, 2271.
Asay, n. the point in the breast of the buck,

at which the hunter's knife was inserted,

to make trial of the animal's fatness, gk.

1328. See the Book of St. Album's, and

Boucher's Glossary, v. Assay, new edit.
Asay, to try, tempt, kg. 2362.
Ascryed, p. t. shouted, gk. 1153. Printed

by Guest astryed, and explained opposed, in

Hist. Engl. Rhythms, ii. 168.
Askez, ashes, gk. 2.
Asoyled, p. t. absolved, GK. 1883.

GLOSSARY.

365

Aspye, to discover, ok. 1199-

Assaut, assault, gk. I.

Asswythe, quickly.GK. 1400. See Swithe.

Astalit, p.p. decked, gg.63.

Astyt, suddenly, gk. 1210. See Tit.

Astonaip, Astonayt, p. p. confounded,
stunned, gg. 107, 575.

At, for, gk. 648; of, "03, (a modern Scoti-
cism.) In Stevenson's Additions to Bou-
cher the line in gg. 1006 is quoted as an
instance of the Northern use of the rela-
tive at for that ; but I regard it as a mis-
take of the scribe, since no other example
of such a form occurs throughout the
poem.

Athel, noble, good, gk. 5, 171, 241, 904,
1654, 2466. See Hathel.

Ather, either, gk. 1357.

Attle, pr. t. aim, design, gk. 27. Atled,
p. t. 2263. See Etyllede.

Attaxis, at once, gg. 985.

At-waped, p. p. escaped, gk. 1167. Ex-
plained by Guest, let fly at, Hist. Engl. Rh.
ii. 169- The word occurs again in another
of the poems by the same author in the
Cotton MS. Nero A. x. f. 73b.

Thay stel out on a stylle ny;t, er any steuenrysed,
&harde hurles thur; the oste, er ennues hitwyste ;
Bot er thay at-trappe ne mojt thewach wyth oute,
Hije skelt wati the askrythe skewes an vnder,e(e.

Auen, Awen, own, gk. 10, 293, 836.

Aimayl, enamel, gk. 236.

Auncian, aged, gk. 1001,2463. Used sub-
stantively, 948.

Aunter, Awexture, Awxtir, adventure,
gk. 27, 29, 2522. aa. i. l.lv. 13. Aun-
terej, pi. 2527.

Aixtered, p.p. ventured, gk. 1516.

Auther, either, gk. 88, 702. aa. xvi. 3.
MS. D. Pinkerton misprints this word
anyes, which is explained by Mr. Guest
once'.

A-vaxters, portions of the nombles of a
deer, which lay near the neck ; a term
used in wood-craft, gk. 1342.

Then dresse the nombles, fyrst that ye recke;
Downe the auauncers kerne, that cleuyth to the

necke ;
And down wyth the bolthrote put theym anone.
Bake of St. Allan's, 1496, sign. d. iv.

One croke of the nombles lyeth euermore
Under the throte-bolle of the beest before,
That callyd is auauncers, whoso can theyui kenne.
id. sign. e. i.

Auexaxd, Auexaxt, Avexaxte, comely,
AA.xxiv.3. gg.339. Used substantively,
man being understood, gg. 1194, 1283.

AuYNANTIS, pi. 648.

Auentayle, the open and moveable portion
of the helmet which covered the mouth, for
the purpose of respiration, gk. 608. So in
the alliterative Scotish romance of Morte
Arthure,

He brayedez one a bacenett, burneschte of svluer ,
Thebeste that was in Basille.wyth bordurs ryche ;
The creste and the eoronalle enclosed so faire,
Wythclasppes of clere golde, couched wyth stones ;
The vesare, the aventaile, enarmede so faire,
Voyde w* owttyne vice, w' wyndowes of syluer.
MS. Line. A. 1. 17./. 63.

Thisterni isfrequently used in early wri-
ters for the whole front of the helmet, in-
cluding the visor, and much confusion has
hence arisen. Consult Allou's paper Sur
les Casques duMoyen Age, 4meepoque, pub-
lished in the Memoires des Antiquaires dp
France, Nouv. Ser., tome i. pp. 161-1 91,
8vo, 1835. It must be also remarked,
that in the prose French romances of the
Round Table, the ventaille is a distinct
piece of armour, and put on before the
helmet. See particularly Roman de Per-
ceval, f. cxii, cxivb, ed. 1530 ; Roman de
Lancelot, vol. i. f. xlii. ed. 1513 ; Rom. de
Meliadus, f. clxxi. ed. 1528 ; and Rom. de
Merlin, vol. ii. f. cxb, ed. 1498.

Auenturus, adventures, gk.491.

A-vyse,Awyse, to think, devise,GK.45, 1389.
Auysed, p. t. viewed, observed, 771.

366

GLOSSARY.

Avow, A-vowe, vow, oath, AA.xvi. 11. gg.
273,296. gc. 518. akc. 22, 129, 147-

Aw.fr. t. owns, possesses, gg. 262 ; demands,
requires, 730. See A?t.

A-wharf, p.p. whirled round, gk. 2220.

A-wondirde, p. p. astonished, aa. xxvi. 9-

Axyd, p. t. asked, gc. 334.

Ajayn, Ajaynes, Ajaynez, A-jenst, to-
wards, gk.815, 971; against, 1459, 1661,
gc. 388, 478; opposite, 362.

Ajlez, fearless, gk. 2335.

A5T, Ajte, p. I. owned, possessed, gk. 767,
843, 1775, 1941. See Aw.

B.

Bachiler, Bachilere, bachelor, gg. 94,

1335.
Bacenett, Basnet, a light helmet, worn

with or without a moveable front, aa.xxx.

3. GG. 601,844.
Bade, Baid, ;). t. abode, tarried, gk. 1699-

AA.iv. 1. gg.841; endured, persisted, 6S6,

936. See Bode.
Bay, round, gk. 967.
Bay, Baye, bay or baiting of a wild-boar,

when attacked by dogs, gk. 1450, 1564,

1582.
Baid, n. delay, gg. 1349. See Abaid.
Bayen, pr. t. bay, bait, bark at, gk. 1909.

Bayed, p. t. 1142, 1362, 1603.
Baill, Bale, harm, evil, grief, gk. 2041,

2419. aa. xxiii. 4, xxv. 9. gg. 293, 716,

1134. gc 530. or.K.222. c. 197, 418.

Bales, pi. aa. viii. 12.
Baine,Bayn,Bayne,Bane, prompt, ready,

GK. 1092,2158. GG.1209. TG.108. C.308.

Used adverbially, gg. 74, 79. 921. See

Boun.
Bair, boar, gg. 733,822.
Bayst, p. t. was abashed, gk. 376. A word

of no unusual occurrence, from the Fr.

abaisser. Stevenson quotes it incorrectly

the bayst, and then, without any authority,

converts bayst into a substantive, and ex-
plains it blow. On re-considering the pas-

sage, I think he will be convinced of his
mistake. See Boucher, v. Baist.

Baythe, to grant, gk. 327. Baythe, Bay-
then, pr. t. 1404, 1840. Stevenson is
here again greatly in error. He prints the
line, schal bay then thy bone, and interprets
bay by obey! It is in defence of my own
explanations that I feel obliged to notice
these mistakes in a truly valuable work,
which I still trust will be continued.

Bale, belly, gk. 1333. In Stevenson's Add.
to Boucher, this word is, I conceive, erro-
neously interpreted the scrotum.

Balefulle, evil, noxious, aa. xvii. 3.

Balez, bowels, gk. 1333.

Balje, ample, swelling, gk. 2032,2172. Mr.
Stevenson, however, explains it in the
sense of plain, smooth.

Ban, to curse, tg. 157. Basse, Baxnene,
pr.t. AA.vii. 11. MS.D. xlvi. 7.

Bankers, Bankowres, table-clothes, aa.
xxvii. 4. MS. D. xxxv. 2.

Banrent, banneret, noble, gg. 20", 1335.
Banrentis, pi. 5, 1274.

Barayne, barren, applied to hinds not gra-
vid, gk. 1320. Baraynes, Barrayxe,
pi. used substantively, aa. iv. 2.

Barbe, edge of an axe, gk. 2310. Bar-
bez, pi. points of arrows, 1457-

Barbican, out-work or tower of a castle,
gk. 793.

Barboranne, barberry, a shrub, aa. vi. 6.
See Berber.

Barcelett, species of bow, aa. iii. 12, iv.
1 . See Stevenson's Add. to Boucher, v.
Berselet.

Bare, mere, unconditional, gk. 277- In gk.
1141, it is applied to the motes or blasts of
a horn, and seems to mean short, or with-
out rechate. It is used adverbially, 465.

Barely, unconditionally, certainly, gk.548.

Bare-heuedis, boars' heads, aa. xxx. 8.
See Ber-hedis.

Baret, Barrat, strife, contest, gk. 21, 353.
2115 ; grief, gk. 752. aa. xxiii. 4. gg.
1133.

GLOSSARY.

367

Bakfrav, tower, gg. "74. By the mention
of bells in the following line the connexion
between this word and belfrey would seem
to be established. See Stevenson's Add.
to Boucher, in v.

Barlay, apparently a corruption of the
French par loi, gk. 296.

Barne, child, aa. xxiv. 11. MS. D. Applied
to Christ, xviii. 1. See Berne.

Barred, p. p. striped diagonally, gk. 159,
600. See Tyrwhitt's Notes on Chaucer,
iv. 1 50, ed . 1 822, and Warton's Hist. Engl.
Poetr. ii. 213. Stevenson interprets it
cross-chequered, but, I think, erroneously.

Barres, diagonal stripes, gk. 162.

Bartynit, p. p. struck, battered, gg. 716.
The Editor of the reprint of 1S27 is mis-
taken in wishing to read Barhynit.

Basnet, see Bacenett.

Bastel-rouez, turreted or castellated roofs,
gk. 799.

Bate, debate, conflict, gk. 1461.

Bated, p. t. abated, j. 88.

Batollit, p.p. imbattled, gg. 43.

Balder yk, strap by which the shield was
suspended round the neck, gk. 621; belt
or lace, 2486.

Bawe, bow of a saddler gk. 435.

Bawe-men, bowmen, gk. 1564.

Be, by, gk. 652, 1216.

Beau, fair, gk. 1222.

Be-calle, pr. t. require, challenge, aa.
xxxii. 7.

Be-com, p. t. went, gk. 460.

Beddez, pr. t. bids, gk. 1374. Bede, p. I.
bade, 1437, 2090.

Bede, to proffer, gk. 374. Bede, pr. t. and
imp. proffer, offer, 382, 2322. Bede,
Bedde, p. 1. 1824, 1834, 2248. aa.1. 8.

Be-dexe, Be-deene, Bydeene, conti-
nously? together? moreover? a a. i. 11,
xxiv. 6. xxvi. 6. xxxvi. 4. xl. 9. gg. 29, 239,
319,322. Gr.K. 230; forthwith? gc. 48.
Consult Boucher's Glossary in v. with re-
gard to this difficult word.
Bedis, prayers, aa. xvi. 5.

Beexe, are, tg. 22.

Beforne, Byforne, before, gk. 1375, 1577,

gg. 87.
Beft, /)./). beaten, gg. 870.
Bege, big, gc 229.
Beggynge, mansion, gg. 159. See Big-

gixg.
Beild, Belde, protection, shelter, gg. 445,

641,650,822,935,1184.
Beilding, place of shelter, gg. 32.
Beildit,;}./. imaged, formed, gg. 390, 1 146.
See Jamieson, v. Beldit. I think he is
mistaken in the explanation given under
Betid.
Beirdis, ladies, gg. 1146. See Birde,

Burde.
Beirnis, Beirnys, men, knights, gg. 204,

686. See Beryn, Burn.
Beis, pr. t. is or will be, gg. 821.
Bekire, to attack, act hostilely against, aa.

iv. 2.
Be- knew, subj. should acknowledge, gk.903.
Be-knowen, p.p. acknowledged, 2391.
See Bi-knowe.
Belde, see Beild.
Bele-chere, good company or presence,

gk. 1034.
Belef, badge? gk. 2486, 2517. Has this
word any connexion with the Fr. belif, as
it appears in the following passage ? " Et
quel escu portiez vous ? Dame, je portav a
la premiere foys ungescu blanc a une bande
de belif vermeille." — Rom. de Lancelot, i.
f. lxxxii. Elsewhere I find " une bende
blanche de beltif." — ib. i. f. cxxx.
Belife, Be-lyfe, quickly, AA.xxxix. 3. gg.

369, 622. See Biliue.
Belle, bonfire, aa.xv. 6.
Belle, part of a lady's dress, perhaps the

mantle, aa. xxix. 3.
Bemys, trumpets, gg.467.
Bemyt, p.p. summoned by sound of trum-
pet, gg. 746.
Ben, prompt, ready, c. 302. See Baine.
Be-name, p. t. took, acquired, gg. 227.
Bende, band, bond, gk. 2505, 2517.

368

GLOSSARY.

Bende, p. t. and p. p. bent, gk. 305, 2224 ;
put down, 2105.

Bene, to be, gk. 141. BEN,pr. /. areorwill
be, 1646.

Bene, well, fair, gk. 2402, 2475. gg. 601,
688, 844, 1032. aa. vi. 6. xxix. 4. xxx. 3.
lii. 8. In every instance but one this
word is coupled with/«£. It is impossi-
ble to interpret the majority of these pas-
sages by quickly, as Stevenson would have
us. See his Additions to Boucher, in v.

Bent, plain, field, so denominated from a
coarse grass growing on open lands, gk.
353, 1465, 1599, 2115, 2233, 2338. aa.
xxvi. 5, xlix. 5. gg. 156, 637. c. 68.

Ber, beer, gk. 129.

Ber-hedis, Bere-hedes, boars' heads, aa.
xxx. 8. MS. D. gg. 605. See Bare-
heuedis.

Berber, barberry, a shrub, AA.vi. 6. MS. D.

Ber, Bere,;). t. bare, carried, gk. 637, 1913.

Bere, noise, aa.x. 8.

Beriallis,Beryallis,Beryell,Beriles,
beryls, precious stones, aa. xlvi. 2. gg.
896, 952, 1086.

Beryne, Berne, man, knight, noble, gg.
59,91,115. aa.x. 5. Beryns, Bernis,
Bernys, pi. gg. 5, 378, 637. aa. iv. 1,
xiv. 5, xxxviii. 9, xlix. 5. See Beirnis,
Burn.

Bern, barn, gc. 52.

Berj, Ber3E, mount, hill, gk. 2172,2178.

Besandis, Besantes, besants, AA.xxix.4.
gg. 1086.

Best, beast, animal, gk. 1436. aa. 553.
Bestes, pi. 1377-

Be-stad, p. p. circumstanced, j. 428.

Bete, to amend, better, aa. viii. 12. Bette,
p.p. applied to fire, gk. 1367.

Bette, to beat, gc. 148, 158. Bet, Betit,
p. t. gg. 626, 680, 989. Beten, p. t. pi.
gk. 1437. Beten, Betin, p. p. worked,
embroidered (Fr. battu), gk. 78, 1833,
2028. gg. 317.

Beuerage, drink, liquor, gk. 1112, 1409.
From the first passage, and one in Piers

Plouhman, it would seem to haw been
the custom to drink, when making a bar-
gain.
Beueren, flowing? aa. xxviii. 6. MS. D.
The Lincoln MS. reads burely. Jamieson
seems inclined to explain it shaking, but I
think he is wrong. The word occurs again
in the alliterative Morte Arthur.

The bolde kynge is inabarge.anda-bowtherowes,
Allebare-heuedefor besye, withiewwynelokkes.
MS. Line. A. 1. 17./. 91".

Beuer-hwed, color of a beaver? gk. 845.
Is there any connexion with the preceding
word?

Bewes, Bewis, boughs, aa. iii. 13, x. 10.
gg. 468.

By-bled, p.p. made bloody, aa.xHv. 11.

By-claggede, p. p. besmeared, aa. ix. 2.

Bycomes, pr. t. befits, gk. 471. Bicome,
p. t. became, 6.

Bide, Byde, Byden, to abide, endure, gk.
374,520,1582,2041. gg. 1037. Bides,
Bydez, Bydis,2»\ t. abides, awaits, stays,
gk. 376. aa. iii. 3, x. 5, xxv. 9-

By-dene, See Be-dene.

Biges, pr. 1. builds, gk. 9. Bigged, Byg-
ged, Byggede, p.p. inhabited, built, 20.
aa. vi. 6, lii. 8.

Bigging, mansion, c.109. SeeBEGGYNGE.

Bigly.Bygly, loudly, gk. 1141 ; deeply, se-
verely, 1162 ; boldly, 1584 ; strongly, gg.
43. The second of these instances is in-
terpreted hugely by Guest, Hist. Engl. Rh.
ii. 167, but under a misapplication.

Bigrauen, p. p. engraved, gk. 216.

Bi-grypte, p. 1. grasped, gk.214.

Bihalden, Biholde, p. p. indebted, be-
holden, gk. 1547, 1842.

By-hode, p. t. behoued, gk. 717.

Bike, building, gg.406.

Bykennen, pr. t. commend, gk. 1307. Bi-
kende, p. t. 596, 1982. See Stevenson's
Add. to Boucher, v. Bekenne, which is,
however, far from satisfactory as to the
etymology.

GLOSSARY.

3G9

Bi-kxowe, Bi-kxowez,;»\/. acknowledge,

acknowledges, gk. 2385, 2495. See Be-

kxew.
Byled, p. t. boiled, gk. 2082.
By-leuys, pr. t. remains, aa. vi. 4. Bv-

leuede, p. p. left, xxii. 2.
Hii.iie.Bilyve, By-lyue, quickly, gk. 132,

1128, 1136, 1171, 1715. aa. xxxvii. 9.

See Belife.
Byxke, bench, table, GG. 204.
Bikde, Byrd, lady, AA.iii.3,xiii.2. GG.351.

Birdis, Byrdis, pi. aa. xii. 2,xiv.5,xxix.

10. gg. 134. See Beirdis, Burde.
Byre, shed, cowhouse, gg. 32.
Bikkix, birchen, GG. 31.
Birxaxd, burning, gg. 78.
BiRXY,cuira3s,coat of mail, gg. 94, 199,567.

Birneis, Birnys, pi. 680, 688, 757, 844.

In the last passage the plur. seems written

by error for the sing. See Brene, Brvjny.
Byrsit, p.p. bruised, gg. 870.
Byse, white or grey, gc.609.
Bisemez, pr. t. befits, gk. 1612, 2191. Bi-

semed, p. /. befitted, became, 622, 2035.
Bisides, Bisydez, on the side, gk. 76, 856.
Bisied, p. t. agitated, gk. 89.
Biso;t, p. I. besought, gk. 96.
Bitaxd, biting, sharp, gg. 934.
Bitidde, By-tyd, By-tyde, p. t. befell, gk.

2522. aa. i. l,lv. 13.
Bitte, Bytte, the steel part of an axe, gk.

2224, 2310.
Bi-wyled, p.p. beguiled, gk. 2425.
Byjt, hollow, cavity, gk. 1341, 1349.
Blax, p. t. caused to cease, gg. 1210. See

Blixx.
Blaxchart, white (horse), gg. 556.
Blaxde,p./>. intermixed, blended, gk. 1205,

1931.
Blasoitx, shield of arms, gk.828.
Blauixg, blowing, gg. 467. Pinkerton

chose to turn the « into a v, and Jamieson

uselessly perpetuates the blunder.
Bi.aixxer, a species of fur? gk. 155, 573,

856, 1931. Compare Ly beaus Disconus,

1. 116. It is left unexplained by Ritson,

and not found in any other Glossary con-
sulted.

Ble, Blee, hue, color, complexion, AA.xvii.
4. GG. 134, 212, 316, 895, 1016. GC.427.
mg. 4. Blees, pi. features, aa. li. 9.

Bleavxt, species of rich cloth or stuff, also
a robe or mantle, gk. 879, 1928. Sir W.
Scott's error in explaining this word in Sir
Tristrem, is adopted in Jamieson's Diet.
See the latter work in v. Bland, Roque-
fort's Glossary, v. Bliaux, and Michel's
Charlemagne, v. Blianz.

Bled, p.p. interpreted by Jamieson sprung,
gg. 608 ; but may, perhaps, be a misprint
for bred.

Bledaxd, bleeding, gg. 870.

Blexched,/). /. receded, drew back, gk. 1715.

Blexded, p. t. blinded, gk. 2419.

Blexdis, pr. t. mingles, curdles, aa. xvii. 4.
Blende, Blext, p. t. and p. p. mingled,
blended, gk. 1361, 1610, 2371. GG. 68,
1134. akc. 274. Jamieson is mistaken in
his interpretation of Blent.

Blexk, to shine, gk. 2315. Blenked,
Blexket, Blexkit,^). t. shone, 799; ap-
peared, looked, aa. xlii.4. gg. 74.

Blycaxde, Blykkaxde, shining, glittering,
gk. 305, 2485.

Blykked, p. t. shone, glistened, gk. 429.

Bly.xdit, p. p. blended, gg. 896. See
Blexdis.

Blixn, Blyxne, to stop, delay, cc. 358.
c.471. Blynne, imp. cease, gk. 2322.

Blysse, fortune, prosperity, gk. 18.

Blythe, gay, bright, gk. 155.

Bloxk, Bloxke, steed, gk. 434, 785, 1581,
aa. iii. 3, xliii. 2, xliv. 4. gg. 551, 560.
Blonkes, Bloxkis, Bloxkkes, pi. gk.
1128,1693. aa. xxxix. 5. GG. 306, 754.
See Blcxk.

Blvbred, p. t. foamed, blubbered; applied
to a stream of water, gk. 2174.

Blunder, confusion, trouble, gk. 18.

Blunk, steed, gk. 440. See Bloxk.

Bluxket, a white stuff, aa. xxix.3. MS.D.
See Plonkete.

370

GLOSSARY.

Blusch, n. look, gk. 520.

Blusched, Blushed,/)./), looked, gk. 650,
793, Gr.K.388.

Blusschande, blushing, glittering, gk.
1819.

Blw, Blwe, p. t. blew, gk. 1141, 1362.

Blwe, blue, gk. 1928.

Bobbaunce, boast, gk. 9.

Bode, bidding, proffer, gk. 852, 1824.

Bode,/)./, abode, gk. 785, 1564. See Bade.

Boden, p.p. prayed, asked, gk. 32".

Boid-word, message, gg. 55, 123, 171.

Boist, threat, gg. 436.

Boke-lered, p. p. book-learned, aa. lv. 3.
MS. D.

Bokit, /). t. vomited, gg. 571.

Bolde, used substantively, men being under-
stood, gk. 21.

Bole, trunk of a tree, gk. 766.

Bolle, bowl, cup, gc. 289. Bollys,/)J.622.

Bolne, pr. t. swell, gk. 512.

Bonchef, gaiety? gk. 1764.

Bone, Boone, prayer, request, gk. 327-
Gr.K. 175,522.

Bone-hostel, lodging, gk. 776.

Bonk, bank, height, gk. 511, 700, 710, 785,
1571. Bonkkes, Bonkkez, pi. 14, 1562,
2077- Jamieson prints the plural from
boukes, and explains it solitudes ! !

fBooME, perhaps a mistake for Goome,
man, akc. 119.

Bord,Borde,Burd, Burde, table, GK.481.
aa. xxxv. 7. gg. 1164. tg.83, 165. To
begin theburd or tabull, gk.112. gg.1155.
gc. 359. See Warton's Hist. Engl. Poetr.
ii. 5. Bords, pi. c. 206.

Borde, border, gk. 610. Bordes,/)/. 159.

Bordez, jests? gk. 1954. See Bourde.

Bordour, apparently a piece of armour at-
tached to the cuirass, gg. 938, 977-

Borelych, burly, huge, strong, gk. 766,
2148, 2224. See Burely.

Borne, bourn, stream, gk. "31, 1570, 2174.

Bornyst, Burnyst, p. p. burnished, gk.
212, 582.

Bor;, Borje, Bur;, Burje, burgh, city,

castle, gk.2, 9, 259, 843, 1092. Burghes,

pi. aa. lii. 7-
Bostfulle, boasting, gc 169.
Bostlye, boasting, c. 115.
Bot, Bot if, unless, gk. 1782. gg. 268,

716, 1300.
Bot, Bote, p.t.hit, wounded, gk. 426, 1162,

1562; ate, aa. xliii. 2. The third of these

instances is interpreted erroneously by

Mr. Guest beat.
Bote, Bute, salvation, remedy, safety, aa.

xliii. 3. gg.39, 935. j. 143, 176.
Bothem, bottom, gk. 2145.
Boun, Boune, Bowne, ready, prompt,

obedient, gk. 548, 852, 1311, 1693. aa.

xxii. 3. GG. 51, 330, 813. TG. 9, 49;

promptly, gc 523.
Boune, imp. go, gg. 1184. Bounit,Bo\vnyt,

/>. t. went, 59,455,1348.
Bour, Boure, Bower, chamber, gk. 853,

1519. gg. 330. gc 4. akc 89-
Bourde, sport, joke, gk. 1409. Bourdez,

pi. 1212. See Bordez.
Bourded, p. t. joked, GK. 1217-
Bourdyng, joke, sport, gk. 1404.
Bourdoure, circlet round the helmet, aa.

xxx. 4. Bourdures, pi. xlvi. 2.
Bousum, Bowsum, obedient, affable, gg.

125,351,445.
Bout, Boute, without, gk. 361, 1285, 1444.
Bowler, boiler? tg. 219.
Bowne, see Boun.
Boje, to move, rise, go, gk. 344, 1220.

Bojes, Bojen, pr. t. 434, 1311, 2077,

2178. Bojed,/). t. 481, 550, 1189, 2524.
Bojez, boughs, gk. 765, 2077.
Bra, an acclivity, GG. 1021.
Brace, armour for the arms, gk. 582. See

Bratheris.
Brace, to embrace, j. 3.
Braches, Brachez, hounds, gk. 1142,

1563, 1610.
Brachetes, hounds, gk. 1603.
Brad,/)./, and/)./). roasted, gk. 891. aa.

xxvii. 4. MS. D.
Bradde, p. t. extended, gk. 1928.

GLOSSARY.

371

Bragixo, boasting, gg.467.
Bray, good, bold, gk. 1909.
Bray, imp. throw, tg. 191.
Braydex.jj.j). embroidered, gk. 220, 1833.

See Brawdex.
Braides, Braydes, Braydez,|»\/. draws,

gk. 621, 1584,1609, 1901. AA.X.5.MS.D.

xxxv. 7. Braid, Braidit, Brayd,

Brayde, Braydit, p. t. started, leapt,

gk.429. go. 921. or.K. 194; turned, gk.

440. gg. 79; cast, threw, gk. 2377; drew,

gg. 757, 867. Braide, Br aydex, p. t.pl.

drew, gk. 1339. aa. xxxv. 7. MS. D.

Brayde, p. p. drawn, thrown, gk. 2069.
Brayex, pr. t.pl. cry, as deer, gk. 116.3.
Bb.vvx, Brayx-wod, mad, violent, gk. 286,

1461, 1580.
Braissit, p.p. inclosed, gg. 844.
Braist, p. t. burst, gg. 754. See Brist.
Braithly, forcibly, violently, gg. 462, 626,

641, 716, S70, 1134.
t Brake, probably an error for Blake, black,

aa.xxx. 8. MS. D.

BRAXD,BRANDE,SWOrd,AA.X.5.1.8.Gr.K.22.

Brandes, pi. aa. xxxix. 10. See Brond.
Bran- dene,;)./). roasted, AA.xxvii. 4. MS.D.

xxxv. 2. MS. D.
Brasse, explained by Mr. Guest ghdes, but

I know not on what authority, aa. xv. 6.
Bratheris, vambraces, armour for the arms,

gg. 994. " Item, bracheres knet to the

shuldres of the cuyrie." MS. Harl. 6149,

f. 46, where the original French text has

bracellets.
Brauded, p p. embroidered, aa. xxix. 4.

MS. D. It has been printed inadvertently

Branded, as in Pinkerton, Laing, and

Jamieson, which is interpreted bordered

by the latter.
tBRAVDURE, apparently an error, aa. xxx.

4. MS. D. Jamieson prints it Brandur.

See Bourdure.
Brawdex, />./>. woven, gk. 177,580. See

Braydex.
Brawex, Brawxe, brawn or flesh of a

wild-boar, gk. 1611,1631.

3

Brawndeche, p. t. brandished, aa. x. 5.

Bread, Brede, breadth, aa.xIv. 13. c. 183.
See On-breid.

Breake, to cut up the deer; a hunting term,
c. 20. Brek, p. t. gk. 1333. Breken,
p. I. pi. brake, 1564.

Breddex,/). /.;;?. werebred, flourished, gk.21.

Bredf.z, bounds, limits, gk. 2071.

Brem, Breme, fierce, bold, gk. 1142, 1155,
1580, 2200; loud, shrill, 1601; rugged,
2145. See Brym.

Breme, Bremly, Bremely, Bremlych,
quickly? gk. 779, 781 ; fiercely, boldly,
509, 1598, 2233, 2319-

Brex, Brenn, to burn, Gr.K. 252. tg. 163.
Brexnez, pr. t. gk. 1609. Brexde,
Brexxed, Brext, p. t. and p.p. 2, 195,
832,875,2165. aa. xxix. 4. MS. D.

Brexe, Bryne, burny, cuirass, gk. 580.
aa.xxx. 3. MS.D. xxxviii.4.MS.D. xli.7.
Brexes, Brenyes,/>Z.aa. xxx. 3, xliv. 11.
See Birxy, Bruny.

Brexixg, burning, c. 181.

fBREXXE, an error probably for Breme,
tg. 36.

Brerd, surface of the earth, gg. 1084.

Bresed, p. p. broken? gk.305.

Breth, rage, anger, gg. 571. See Brith.

Brether, brethren, gk. 39.

Bretynit, p. t. cut down, gg. 468. See
Britxed.

Breue, to tell, inform, speak, gk. 1393,
1488. Breued, Brevit, p.p. told, es-
teemed, accounted, gg. 281, 417, 465 ;
marked, gk. 1436 ; written, 2521. In the
old edition of gg. the word is misprinted
beevit, which is repeated by Pinkerton and
Jamieson, and the latter endeavours, as
usual, to find an etymon, but is very wide
of the mark.

Brewe, p.p. brewed, made, aa. xlvi. 7.

Bryddes, Br yddez, birds, gk. 166, 509, 746.

Brym, loud, shrill, gg. 523, 534 ; fierce,
cruel, 733, 822. See Brem.

Bry'mme, flood, river.GK. 2172. Brimes, ;)/.
seas, waters, Gr.K. 288.
b 2

372

GLOSSARY.

Bryne, See Brene.

Bryimly, fiercely, gg. 687. See Breme.

Brint, Brynt, p. t. and p.p. burnt, refined,

AA.xxvii.4. gg. 317 ; flashed, 769. See

Bren.
Brist, to burst, gg. 641. Brist, p. t. 306.

See Braist.
Brith, wrath, contention, gg. 125. See

Breth.
Britnez, pr. t. breaks, cuts, gk. 1611.

Britned, Brittened, p. t. and p. p.

broke or cut in pieces, 2, 680, 1339- See

Bretynit.
Broche, spit, gg. 80.
Broches, pr. t. spur, aa. xxxix. 5. Bro-

ched.Brochit,^). t. spurred, a a. xxxix. 5.

MS. D. xliv.4. go. 306, 754.
Broketes, torches, tapers, aa.xxxv. 9-
Bronched, p. 1. pierced, aa. xlv. 5.
Bronde, Bronx, sword, gk.561, 588,828,

1584. AA.xliv.8. Brondes,pZ.aa.xUv.9.
Brondez, embers, gk. 2.
Brothe, angry, gk. 2233.
Brothely, angrily, violently, gk. 2377.
Brother-hede, brotherhood, gk. 2516.
Broun, used elliptically for the brown deer,

gk. 1162. Mr. Guest is greatly mistaken

in interpreting it branches.
Browe, brow, gk. 1457. BR03ES, Brojez,

pi. 305, 961.
Bruny, cuirass, gk. 861, 2012, 2018. See

Brene, Birny.
Brusten, p. t. burst, gk. 1166. See Brist.
Bue, fair? akc. 65, 67.
Bullerand, weltering, gg. 716, 1016.
Bult, p. t. built, dwelt, gk. 25.
Bur, blow, gk. 290, 374, 548, 2322 ; force,

violence, 2261. See also the Glossary to

William and the Werwolf, v. Bere, and

Boucher, v. Birr.
Burd, see Bord.
Burde, lady, gk. 613, 752, 961. aa. xiii. 2.

MS. D. Burdes, Burdez, pi. gk. 942,

1232, 1373. See Birde, Beirdis.
Burde, p. t. ought, behoved, gk. 2278,

2428. Hence may be corrected the inter-

pretation of Birde in the Glossary to
Havelok, 1. 2761. Cf. also Jamieson, vv.
Byrd and Boot.

Buredely, forcibly? aa. xlvii. 11. MS. D.
The Line. MS. reads swyftly.

Burly, Burliche, Burlyche, Burely,
huge, big, aa. xvi. 8, xxviii. 6, xxx.8, xli. 8,
xlii. 4. gg. 317, 551,934. Used substan-
tively, man being understood, aa. 1. 8.

Burlokest, biggest, strongest, AA.xliii. 2.

Burn, Burne, man, knight, noble, gk. 20,
73, 337, etc. aa. iii. 3. MS. D. xlii. 4.
Gr.K.88. tg. 12. Burnes, gen. gk. 1616.
Burnes, Burnez, pi. gk. 259, 272, 481.
aa. xxxviii. 9. MS. D. xlvi. 7. See Beir-
nis, Beryne.

BusE,/)r. t. behoves.AA. xxv. 3. SeeBuRDE.

Busk, to array, gk. 1220. Busk, imp. pre-
pare, 2248, 2284. Buskes, Buskkez,
pr. t. goes, 1136, 1448,2476; arrays, aa.
xxxviii. 4. MS. D. Busken.^j-. t.pl. pre-
pare, gk. 509, 1128. Busked, Buskit,
Buskyde, p. t. and p.p. went, 1411. aa.
xliv. 8. gg. 204, 304, 548 ; prepared, gk.
1693. gc. 48. tg. 9. This verb generally
implies motion with a degree of haste.

Busk, bush, gk. 182. Buskez, pi. 1437.

Busy, to be active, gk. 1066.

But, without.GG. 35, 98, 190. But, But and,
unless, gc 522. J. 32.

Bute, see Bote.

C.

Cach, to catch, take, acquire, gk. 133 ; to
go, 1794. Cachez, Kachez, pr. 1. 368,
2175.

Cacheres, hunters, gk. 1139.

Cameure, hooked, gc. 251.

Can, pr. t. know, knows, gc. 193,279. c.
268. Cannyst, knowest, gc 314.

Can, is extensivelyused as an auxiliary before
verbs in the infinitive mood, to express a
past tense, and is frequently, particularly
in poems of later date, supplied by yan,
as an equivalent, as Can enclyne, inclined,

GLOSSARY.

573

gk.340. Can payne, pained, 1042. Can
remove, removed, gg. 14. Can fang,
took, 554. Can daw, dawned, 609. Can
found, went, 884,933. Can fare. Can
GOE,went,or.K. 371, 506. Cann beginn,
begun, C.471. Can draw, drew, mg. 19-
See Con.
Canel-bone, collar-bone, aa. xl. 12.
Cant, strong, gg. 334.
Cantell, Cantelle, corner, angle, aa. xli.

1. gg. 937.
Capados, hood or close cap, from the Fr.

cap-a-dos, gk. 186, 572.
Caple, horse, gk. 2175.
Carande, caring, anxious, gk. 674,750.
Care, grief, concern, gk. 1979, 2379-
Carf, p. t. carved, aa. xlvii. 5.
Cariand, going, journeying, gg. 611. See

Cary.
Carnelez, battlements, embrasures, gk.

801.
Carp, speech, conversation, gk.307, 1013.
Carp, Karp, to say, tell, speak, gk.263,
696,704. c. 128. Carpis, Carppez,^. /.
gk. 377, 1979. aa. xxviii. 9,xxxii.6. Car-
ped, Carpit, p. t. gk. 1088. aa. 1. 11.
MS.D. gg.46, 92.
Cary, to go, gg. 1098, 1332. Caryez,
Caryis, pr. t. gk. 734. gg. 366, 728.
CARYS,CAYREZ,im/).GK.2120. GG. 1249.
Caryit, p. t. 873.
Casar, Kaysere, emperor, AA.xxxii.7. gg.

1120.
Cassin, p.p. cast, gg. 1108.
Cast, to speak, address, gk. 249- Cast,

pr. t. contrive, GG. 323.
Caste, stratagem, aa. xlviii. 2. Castes,

pi. actions or wiles, gk. 1295.
Caueloinz, disputes? gk. 683. Perhaps
a mistake forCAUELAciou.NZ. Cf. 1.2275.
Cemmed, p.p. folded, twisted, gk. 188.
Cercle, circle round the helmet, gk. 615.
Cerkelytt, p.p. encircled, aa. x. 3.
Chacelet, Chasselett, small tower or

castle? AA.xxxviii.il.
Chaffer, merchandise, gk. 1647, 1939.

Chaftis, chops, jaws, aa. xi. 2.

Chaip, pr. t. escape, gg. 279-

Chalus, jowls, cheeks, aa. xi. 2, the read-
ing of MS. D. as an equivalent for chaftis.
Jamieson's singular blunder in explaining
this word will be noticed under Cholle.

Charg, matter, gk. 1940.

Chargeaunt, dangerous? gk. 1604.

Charre, pr. t. return, gk. 1678. Char-
red, p. t. led, turned, 850, 1 143.

Charres, ;)/. business, task, gk. 1674.

Chaste, chastity, aa. xx. 5. MS. D.

Chaufe.Chawffene, to warm, aa.xxxv.4.

Chacncely, accidentally, gk. 778.

Chauntre, religious service, gk. 63.

Chefe, upper part? aa. ix. 10.

Chefe, Cheif, Cheue, to obtain, gk. 1271-
AA.xxi. 9. gg. 1193; to arrive, gk. 1676.
Cheued, p. t. obtained, gk. 1390. See

ACHEUE.

Chefly, Cheuely, speedily? gk. 850, 883,
978, 1940.

Chek, fortune, gk. 1107, 1857. Chekke,
ill fortune ? 2195.

Cheldez, shields of a boar, gk. 1611.

Chemne, chimney, gk. 978.

Chepe, Chepez, bargain, terms of buying
and selling, or goods sold, gk. 1939, 1940,
1941.

C'hepen, to bargain, gk. 1271.

Cher, Chere, countenance, spirits, beha-
viour, gk. 562, 711, 883, 1745, 2169,
2496 ; entertainment, 1259. aa. x. 6.

Chere, chair, gc.403.

Ches, p. t. saw, beheld, gk. 798, 946.

t Cheuarone, chanfron, armour for a
horse's head, aa.xxx. 10.

Cheuicaunce, Cheuisaunce, Cheuy-
saunce, booty, gain, gk. 1390, 1406,
1678, 1939.

Child-gered, p.p. of childish manners,
gk. 86.

Cholle, jowl, jaws, aa. ix. 9. xi. 2. The
second of these passages has occasioned
Jamieson to make a very ridiculous mis-
take. He says cholle and chains are birds,

374

GLOSSARY.

and then explains chynne, the chin, by

oak!! ! The reading of the Lincoln MS.

at once shows the fallacy and folly of such

an interpretation.
Chorle, churl, gk. 2107.
Chylder, children, gk. 280.
Chymbled, p.p. folded ? gk. 958.
Clad, p.p. covered, gk, 885.
Claif, p. t. clove, gg. 937.
Clamberande, clustering, gk. 1722.
Clambred, p.p. clustered, joined together,

gk. 801.
Clanly, wholly, gk. 393.
Clannes, purity, chastity, gk. 653.
Claterande, clattering, bubbling, gk. 731.
Clattered, p.p. resounded, gk. 1722.
Claught, p. t. caught hold of hastily,

clutched, gg. 82.
Clef, p. t. cleaved, aa. xl. 13, xli. 1.
fCLEYNG, probably a mistake of the scribe

forCLETHY.NGE, clothing, aa.x. 2. MS. D.

Jamieson trifles with the word in his usual

manner.
Cleir, Cler, CLERE,fine,fair, bright, beau-
tiful, noble, gk. 631, 942, 954, 1489- aa.

xxx. 2. MS. D. gg. 53, 366, 672, 747.

1157. gc. 507. cr.K. 326.
fCLEiRLY, for Cleir, GG. 1332.
Clekis, pr. t. strikes or seizes, aa. xlviii. 7-
Clene, fair, gk. 163. aa. vi. 2; wholly, gk.

1298. See Clanly.
Clengez,;)/-. t. contracts or causes to shrink

with cold, gk. 505, 2078. Clenged,/>. t.

1694.
Clepes, pr. t. calls, gk. 1310.
Clergye, erudition, gk. 2447.
Clewes, cliffs, aa. x. 12, xii. 7- MS. D. reads

clowes, which Jamieson explains a hollow

between two hills.
Clippes, eclipse, aa. viii. 3.
fCLOLLE, an error of MS. D. for Cholle,

aa. ix. 10. Jamieson here again Is sadly

at fault.
Clomben, p. t. climbed, gk. 2078.
Clout, blow, gc. 323. c. 234, 260. See

Lout.

Clowis, nails, splinters, gg. 683, 942.
Cockward, Cockewarde, cuckold, akc.

92, 104.
Coft, p. t. bought, gg. 1057.
Cofly, speedily? gk. 2011.
Cold, p. t. of Can, knew, c. 41. akc 195.

See Con.
Colen, to cool, assuage, gk. 1253.
Colere, collar, aa. xlviii. 7-
Collaine, Collen, Cologne, akc. 164, 1 68,

176. Swords manufactured here seem to

have been in repute.
Com, Come, Comen, p. t. came, gk. 824,

942,1004. gc.494.
•f-CoMAUNDEZ, imp. commend, gk. 2411.
Come, coming, arrival, gg. 161.
Comfort, p. t. comforted, Gr.K. 229. See

Gloss, to Will, and Werwolf, in v.
Comly, Comlych, Cumly, comely, fair,

GK. 469, 539. gg. 1057. Used substan-
tively, man being understood,GK.674,l"55.

Used adverbially, 648, 1307, 1629, 1794.
Comlyly, courteously, gk. 9/4, 1118, 1389.
Comloker, comelier, gk. 869. Comlok-

est, sup. 52, 81, 767.
Com'nye, communing, discourse, akc. 122.
Compas, form, stature, gk. 944.
Con, Conne, can, gk. 2455. AA.xli.5, xliii.

4. CoysEZ, pr.t. knows, gk. 1267, 1483.

Coude, Couth, Couthe, Cowthe, p. t.

could, knew, 45, 1125, 1139, 1389, I486.

GG.67,920. GC.85. C0UTH,C0UTHE,p.J).

known, gk. 1490 ; skilled, gg. 376. See
Can.
Con, Conne, pr. t. Cold, Couth, p. t.
used as an auxiliary before verbs to ex-
press a past tense, as Con studie, studied,
gk. 230. Con answare, answered, 274.
Con roun, communed, 362. Con felde,
folded, 841. Con nyme, took, 993. Con
lete, looked, 1206. Conne falle, fell,
aa. vi. 7. MS. D. Conne call, called, xi.
3, (in both which instances the Line. MS.
reads gunite.) Conne ryde, rode, gc
65. Con stand, stood, Gr.K. 471. Cold
fling, flung, mg. 89. Couth hint, re-

GLOSSARY.

375

ceived, go. 674. Couth hew, hewed,
struck, 902. Couth rehete, cheered,
1158. Couth forbere, forbore, 1200.
See Can.

Conable, famous, or accomplished, gk. 2450.

Conquere, conquest, gg. 1251.

Coxterfelette, Coxtrefeled, interwo-
ven ? aa. xxix. 6.

Coxuexabill, befitting, gq. 363.

Coxysauxce, Cuxysaxce, badge, cogni-
sance, gg. 488, 1057-

Copilles, couples of dogs, AA.iv. 3.

Coprouxes, capitals? gk.797. " Coperum,
capitellum," Prompt. Pan'. See quota-
tion under Enbaned.

Corbeles, gen. raven's, gk. 1355. With
regard to the/ee, see Scott's Notes on Sir
Tristrem, p. 388, ed. 1833.

Cors, body, gk. 1297.

CORTAYS, CORTAYSE, COUlteoUS, GK. 276,

467, 539.

C'ORTAYSY, COURTAYSYE, COUl'teSV, GK.

247, 263, 1300.

Cortaysly, courteously, gk. 775, 903.

Cortynes, curtains, gk. S54.

Coruon, p. p. carven, gk. 797-

Cosse, kiss, gk. 1300. Cosses, Cossez,
pi. 2351, 2360.

Cost, manner, business, gk. 546. Costes,
CosTEZ,p/.manners, qualities, virtues, 944,
1272, 1483, 1849, 2360, 2495. Hence
may be interpreted Cust, in the Owl and
Nightingale, which in the Glossary to that
poem is left without explanation.

Cost, side, aa. xlvii. 5. Costes, pi. ways?
gk. 750.

Costez, pr. t. coasts? gk. 1696.

Cothe, p. t. quoth, gk. 776.

Coude, chrysom-cloth at baptism, AA.xviii. 3.

Coude, Couthe, Cowthe, see Cox.

Couxdue, to conduct, guide, gk. 1972.

Coundutes, songs, (Fr. conduis, cautique,)
gk. 1655. The same word occurs in the
poem of the Owl and Nightingale, 1. 483,
which is not explained by the editor.

Couxtenauxce, custom, gk. 100, 1490.

Countir, to encounter, gg. 798. Coxtirs,

pr. t. 815.
Couxtirpas, counterpart, like, gg. 1212.
Courchefes, head-covers, caps, AA.xxix.8.
Couthly', familiarly, gk. 937.
Couentis, convents, aa. xvi. 6.
Cover, pr. t. recover, regain, gg. 586.
Couertor, Couertour, cover or trapping

of a horse, gk. 602; canopy of abed, 1181.

Couertorez, pi. canopies, 855.
Cowters, pieces of plate for the elbows, gk.

583. See the Notes, p. 315.
Coynt, Koyxt, curious, quaint, gk.877;

skilful, cunning, 1525.
Coy'ntly, Coyxtlych, Koy.vtly', cunning-
ly, 578, 934, 2413.
Cojed, p. /. derided ? shouted ? gk. 307.
Crafty, skilfully made, gk. 572.
Crakkaxde, resounding, loud, gk. 1166.
Crakkyng, blast, blowing, gk. 116.
Crasedest, most crazy, gk.2196.
Cratiiayx, craven, coward, gk. 1773. In

Douglas, Crawdoun.
Crest, top of a rock, gk. 731.
Creuisse, fissure, cavity, gk. 2183.
Crewelle, valiant, used substantively, man

beingunderstood, AA.xlviii. 1. SeeCRUEL.
Criande, crying, gk. 1088.
Crochit, p.p. covered? gg. 1280, 1352.
Croked, p. p. bent aside, gk. 653.
Cropore, Cropure, crupper, gk. 168, 602.
Croys, cross, gk. 643.
Cruel, keen in battle, aa. xlvii. 3. gg. 334,

541.
Cruelte, valour? gg. 1135.
Crystenmas, Christmas, gk. 985.
Cummen, p.p. come, gk. 60, 62.
Cimpas, purpose, gg. 596.
Cuxy'sance, see Conysaunce.
Cure, care, anxietv, gg. 109S, 1229-

D.

Da, Daa, doe, aa. v. 2. gg. 226.
Dabate, strife, gk. 2041.
Dail, part, gg. 782. See Dole.

376

GLOSSARY.

DALY.todally, gk.1253. Daylyeden.p.t.

1114.
Dalt, p. t. and p.p. dealt, gk. 452, 1114,

1664, 2449.
Dan-ge, p. I. struck, c. 134. See Dyng.
Dare, to manifest fear, tremble, gk. 2258.

Dare, Dares, Darys, pr. t. gk. 315.

aa. iv. 12.
Darkis, Darkys, pr. t. lie hid, aa. iv. 12.

v. 1. See Durkene.
fDiRR, harm, cr.K. 401. See Deere.
Dase, the phrase here, on dase, gg. 712, is

explainedbyJamieson, alive, and I have no

better interpretation to offer.
Daw, to dawn, gg. 609, 732.

DAWED.p./. (?) GK. 1805.

Dawynge, dawning, aa. xxvii. 5.

fDAYN, disdain, gc. 179.

Daynteths, dainties, aa. xv. 1, xxxvi. 4,

xxxviii. 3.
Daynetyuousely, daintily, aa. xxvii. 2.
De, Dee, Deje, to die, gk. 996. gg. 511,

808, 1035.
Deare, to injure, j. 172. Dered, p. t. gk.

1460.
Debetande, debating, gk. 2179.
Debonerte, good manners, politeness, gk.

1273.
Dece, Deise, Des, Desse, dais or table of

estate, gk. 61, 75, 222, 250. aa. xiv. 13.

MS. D. xv. 1. gg. 66, 1154.
Dede, death, aa. v. 2. viii. 7. gg. 270, 1215.
+ Dedis, probably a mistake for Tadis, aa.

x.4.
Deere, Deir, Dere, harm, evil, gg. 497,

808,1266. Gr.K. 387,407.
Defende, p. t. defended, gk. 1156.
Defold, p. p. vanquished or disgraced, gg.

967-
Deir, Dere, joyful, delightful, gk. 47, 92,

1012, 1026, 1047 ; precious, costly, 75, 121,

1 93, 57 1 . gg. 66, 3 1 9, 860, 897 ; honorable,

564. Used substantively, man or lenighi

being understood, in the sense of worthy,

noble, honorable, gk.' 678, 928. AA.i. 4.

gg. 206, 600, 785, 1284. Jamieson's in-

terpretation of bold, daring, is, I think,

wholly inadmissible. See Derely.
Deir, Der, Dere, deer, beasts of chace, gk.

1151, 1322. gg. 226.
Deise, see Dece.
Dele, to deal, (a blow,) gk. 295, 560 ; to

give, bestow, 1805, 2192; to partake, 1968.

Deles, Delen, pr. t. 397, 1266.
Dele, n. part, share, Gr.K. 494.
Dele, the Devil, gk. 2188.
Delful, Delfulle, doleful, gk. 560. aa.

xii. 11. MS. D. See Dulful.
Delfully, dolefully, aa. xxiv. 3. MS. D.

xlvi. 8.
Deliver, active, nimble, gk. 2343.
Deliuerly', quickly, gk. 2009.
Demay, imp. dismay, gk. 470.
Deme, to judge, deem, gk. 246, 1322, 2183.

Demen, pr. <. judge, think fit, 1082, 1529.

Demed, Demyt, p. t. and p. p. esteemed,

judged, determined, 240, 1089, 1668. gg,

805.
Denaye, to deny, refuse, gk. 1497.
Df.nayed, p. t. refused, gk. 1493.
Denez, Danish, gk. 2223. Compare akc.

166, and see the Note of Du Cange on

Villehardouin, p. 298, fol. Par. 1657.
Dent, p.p. indented, gg. 66.
Dentte, blow, gc. 396.
Depaynt, Depaynted, p.p. depicted, gk.

620, 647.
Departed, p. t. severed, divided, gk. 1335.
Deprece, to vanquish? gk. 1219. De-

preced, Depresed, p. 1. vanquished,

bore down, 6, 1770.
Deray, disorder, aa. xl. 6, MS. D.
Dere, see Deere, Deir.
Dered, see Deare.
Derely, joyfully, honorably, gk. 817, 1031,

1253, 1327, 1559. See Deir.
Derf, strong, stern, gk. 564, 1000, 1233,

1492. gg. 859, 976.
Derfly, DERFELY,strongly,fiercely,sternly,

gk. 1183. aa. xxiv. 13. gg. 671,680.
Derne, secret, privy, gk. 558, 1012, 1047.

gg. 840.

GLOSSARY.

377

Dernly, Dernely, secretly, ok. 1188 ; si-
lently? 2334.

Derrest, noblest, GK. 445, 483. GG. 805.
See Deir.

Derworthly, honorably, GK. 114.

Des, Desse, see Dece.

Destenyng, destiny, gg. 270.

Deue, to confound, gk. 1286. T>EVEV,p.p.
confounded, aa. xxii. 4, MS. D.

Deuinis, pr. t. decrees, gg. 1228.

Deuore, Deuoir, service, duty, gg. 1048,
1266.

Dew, p. t. dawned, gg. 600. See Daw.

Deje, see De.

Dicht, p.p. made, gg. 319. See Dijt.

Did, Didden, see Do.

Dyetes, diets, repasts, aa. xv. 1 . MS. D. reads
diotes, which Pinkerton and Jamieson
misprint Drotes, and the latter explains by
nobles! Mr. Guest has been deceived also
by this false reading, although he might
have found thegenuine text in Laing's work.

Digne, Dyngne, worthy, gk. 1316. gg.9,
184.

Dille, dull, foolish, gk. 1529.

Dymme, covert? aa. v. 1. MS. D.

Dyn, noise, revelry, GK.47-

Dyng, pr. t. smite, gg. 860. See Dange.

fDvxNEZ, pr. t. strikes, gk. 2105, perhaps
an error for Dyngez.

Dynnyt, p. t. roared, gg. 84.

Dynt, stroke, blow, gk. 315, 560, 2105. gg.
829. Dintez, Dintis, Dyntes, Dyntez,

DYNTIS, DYNTTEZ,p/.GK.336, 202, 1460,

aa. xl. 9, xlvi. 8. gg. 67, 542, 946. See

DuNT.

Disceuer, to discover, gk. 1862.
Discrye, to describe, gk. 81.
Displeses, imp. displease you, gk. 2439.
Dispoyled, p.p. undressed, gk. 860.
Disstryez, pr. t. destroys, gk. 2375.
Distance, dissension, strife, gg. 448, 1362.
Dysworship, disgrace, j. 419.
Dit, p.p. fastened, gk. 1233.
Di;t, to pronounce, make, gk. 295. Dyghtis,
pr. t. get ready, aa. xxxix. 1. Dight,

Dyght, imp. prepare, look after, J. 28.
or.K. 312. Dight, Dighte, Dyght,
Dyghte, Dijt, Dijte, Dyst,/). t. andp.p.
prepared, dressed, placed, disposed, made
ready, gk. 1 14,678, 994, 1559, 1884, 1223,
1689. AA.i. 6, xiii. 4, xxvii. 2, li. 11. gg.
600, 732, 1029- GC 372, 550. J. 130. c.
469 j treated, circumstanced, aa. xlv. 8,
xlviii. 12.
Do, to cause, gc 27 ; place, lay, gk. 1492,

GG. 1111. Dos HER FORTH, goes OUt,

gk. 1308. Dos, imp. do thou, gk. 1533.
Dothe, do ye, gc. 619. Dot?, pr. t. doth,
gk. 2211. Did, Didden, p. t. caused,
gk. 1327. go. 1298. Don, p. p. placed,
gk.478.

Doel, Dole, Dool, sorrow, torment, gk.
558. aa. xvi. 13, xliii. 8. gc. 537.

Doghety, D03TY, Dujty, doughty, brave,
gk. 724, 2264. Used substantively, man
being understood, gk. 2334. aa. i. 11.

DOUGHTYIS, pi. GG. 712.

Dok, tail, gk. 193.

Dole, part, gk. 719- See Dail.

Dom, Dome, judgement, sentence, gk. 295,
1216, 1968.

Donkande, damp, moistening, gk. 519.

Doser, back of a seat, gk. 478. In the
Prompt. Parv. the " Docer of an hall," is
explained dorsorium, auleum,i.e. hangings.

Dossours, cushionsfor the back, aa. xxxv. 2.

Doted, p. t. and p. p. became foolish, de-
mented, gk. 1151, 1956.

DoucH-sPERE,nobleman,GG. 1334. Duche-
peres, pi. aa. i. 4. See Dugepers.

Dourly, boldly, sternly, gg.860.

Doute, fear, gk. 246, 442.

Douth, Douthe, people, nobles, gk. 61,
1365,1415,1956. SeealsoNeroA.x.f.73b.

fDowNE, probably a mistake of the tran-
scriber, aa. xv. 2. The reading of MS. D.
is, doubtless, correct.

Dowttous, fearful, aa. xl. 9.

Drad, p.p. afraid, aa. ix. 8,9, MS. D.

Draueled, p. t. slumbered fitfully, gk.
1750.

378

GLOSSARY.

Drajt, drawbridge, gk. 817.
Drechch, delay ? gk. 1972.
Dredfulle, fearful, gc. 249-
Dredles, void of dread, gk. 2334.
Dreghe, Dreigh, see On-dreigh.
Dreped, p.p. put to death, gk. 725.
Dres, to prepare, go, gk.474. Dresses,
Dressez, pr. t. prepares, addresses,
rises, 417, 445, 566. Drese, pr. t. pi.
treat, gg. 997- Dressed, p. t. and p. p.
placed, set, gk. 75, 2033 ; went, addressed
themselves, 1415 ; rose, 2009.
Drevjch, p. t. drew, gg. 706.
Dreuede, p.p. confounded, aa. xxii.4.
Dre3, strong? gk. 1750. Used adverbially,

2263.
Drejly, vigorously ? gk. 1026.
Drejt, see On-dreigh.
Drte, Dryje, to endure, suffer, gk. 202,
560. aa. xi. 11. Drte, pr. t. aa. xvi.
13.
Drightin, Dryjtyn, the Lord, gk. 724,

996, 1548. gg. 1111,1228.
Driuande, driving, advancing quickly, gk.

222.
Driue, p. t. drove, Gr.K. 7.
Dryje, see On-dreigh.
Dryje, calm, patient, gk. 335, 724 ; en-
during, tough, 1460.
Drof, p. t. drove, rushed, passed, gk. 786,

1151, 1176.
Dronken, p. t. drank, gk. 1025, 1668.
Drouping, Drowping, slumber, gk. 1748,

1750.
Droj, Drojen, p. t. drew, gk. 118S, 1463,

aa. xliv. 3.
Drojt, drought, dryness, gk. 523.
Drlry, Drwrye, amour, love, gk. 1507,

1517, 2449 ; love-token, 1805, 2033.
Dubbed, p.p. ornamented, dressed, clad,

gk. 75, 193,571.
Duchery, dukedom, gg. 1072.
Duchtely, doughtily, gg. 785.
Duergh, dwarf, gg.79, 84.
Dugepers, Dussiperes, the Douze-Pairsof
Fiance, aa. xxii.4.

Dukit, p.p. ennobled, made duke.GG. 1072.
Dulefully, dolefully, aa. xlviii. 12.
Dulful, Dulefulle, doleful, grievous, gk.

1517- aa. xiii. 4. See Delful.
Dunt, Dunte, blow, gk. 452, 1286. See

Dynt.
Durandly, enduringly, gg. 335.
Dure, to endure, j. 398.
Durkene, pr. t. lie hid, aa. iv. 12, MS. D.

v. 1. Pinkerton and Jamieson interpret

this falsely, affright. See Darkis.
Duschand, smiting hard, gg. 860.
Dut, mirth ? gk. 1020.
Dut, Dutte, p. i. doubted, feared, gk. 222,

784, 2257.

Effrayt, p.p. alarmed, gg. 1259.

Efte, after, afterwards, gk. 641, 700, 788,

2388.
Eft-sonez, ^-Efter-sones, forthwith.

thereafter, gk. 1640, 2417.
Egge, edge, gk. 212. Used for the axe itself,

2392.
Eghne, Ene, Yene, pi. eyes, aa. ix. 12,

xxviii. 5, xlvi. 9, xlvii. 1.
Elde, age, gk. 844, 1520.
fELLE, for Ille, gk. 1811.
Elnjerde, ell-yard, gk.210.
Em, Eme, uncle, gk. 356, 543.
Emdelez, with equal sides, gk. 629.
Emell, amidst? gg. 1230. Pinkerton prints

this in mcll, which it may also possibly be

meant for.
Empriour, emperor, gg. 1230.
Enbaned, p.p. ornamented? gk. 790. The

same term is used by the author in another

poem, when describing the vessels used

at Balthazar's feast :

For ther wer bassynes ful bryjt of brende golde

clere,
Enamaylde w' azer, and eweres of sute ;
Couered cowpes foul clere, as casteles arayed,
Enbaned vnder batelnient w* bantelles quoynt,

GLOSSARY.

379

& fyleil out of fygures of ferlyle schappes j
The coperounes of the canacles, that on the cuppe

reres,
Wer fetysely formed out mjyh/olts longe;
Piunacies py;t ther ai>ert, that profert bitwene,

MS. Cott. Nero A. x.f. 77.
Exbelyse, to embellish, gk. 1034.

E.NBRAUDED, ExBRAWDED, ExBRAWDEN,

p. p. embroidered, adorned, gk. 78, 166,
606, 856.

Excheif, to accomplish ? go. 1059.

Endue, p. t. put (to death,) gk. 1600.

Endorred, p. p. gilded, aa. xxxvi. 4. Ja-
mieson renders it adorned.

Enduraxd, enduring, gg.434.

Exe, see Eghxe.

Enesed, p.p. covered? gk. 184.

Eneuch, enough, gg. 1071.

Enfoubled, p.p. wrapt up, gk. 959.

Engrelede, p. p. interspersed, aa. xl. 2.

Engreuit, p. t. angered, gg. 975.

Exker, deep, intense? applied to color,
GK. 150, 2477.

Exnourned, Ennurned,^).;;. adorned, gk.
634, 2027-

Enquest, inquiry, gk. 1056.

Enschew, to prove, try, gg. 663.

Ensexye, ensign, war-word, gg. 474, 845.
Exsexyes, pi. 315.

Exspringing, springing forth, gg. 1238.

Entayled, p.p. interwoven, embroidered,
gk. 612.

Extyre? gg. 704.

Entyse, to acquire, gk. 2436.

Er, ere, before, previously, gk. 92, 197, 712,
etc. See Air, Are.

Erar, comp. rather, sooner, gg. 511.

Erber, the conduit leading to the stomach ;
a hunting term, gk. 1330. See A Jewell
for Gentrie, 4to, 1614, sign. F. 2. "To
make the erber," says Sir Walter Scott,
" is to disembowel the animal ;" but the er-
ber certainly did not extend to the paunch,
which is separately mentioned. See the
Notes, p. 322.

Erd, Erde, earth, gk. 27, 140, 881. gg.

303, 1024.
Erdez, pi. lands, gk. 1808.
Erdly, earthly, gg. 1241.
Eryaunt, errant, gk. 810.
Ernd, Ernde, errand, gk. 257, 559, 809.
Ernest, a first payment by way of pledge to

receive a larger, c. 248.
Ertaxd, enterprising, gg. 393. Jamieson

explains it, ingenious.
Este, (?) aa. vii. 6.
Etayx, giant, gk. 140. Etaynez, pi.

723.
Ethe, pr. t. ask, gk. 379, 2467.
Ethe, easy, gk. 676.
Ettand, p. pr. eating, gc. 303. Ette,^. t.

ate, gk. 113.
Etyllede, p. t. aimed, AA.xlviii. 5. See

Attle.
EuEXDEX.evenly? perpendicularly? gk. 1345.
Euez, borders? gk. 1178.
Euyes, ivies? Gr.K. 459.
Expoux, to describe, explain, gk. 209, 1506.

Fa, Faa, foe, gg. 911, 933. Faas, pi. used
for sing. aa. xlvii. 12. See Fay.

Fade, wan ? gk. 149.

Fayly, to fail, gk. 1067. Failieis, Fail-
yeis, Faylez, pr. t. gk. 278, 455. gg.
1139,1239.

Fair, action, proceeding, enterprise, gg. 570,
576, 731. Jamieson is in error in inter-
preting the last of these instances, funeral
solemnity, and has totally misunderstood
the passage.

Fale, fallow? grassy? gk. 728.

Fall, Falle, to befall, happen, gk. 483.
aa. xxiii. 13. gg. 1007. Fallez, pr. t.
befalls, appertains, gk. 1303, 1358,2327.
Falleth, pr. t. behoves, c. 253, 277.
Falled, p. t. belonged, appertained, gk.
2243. Fallen, p. p. befallen, happened,
23. See Fell.

Falsset, falsehood, gg. 1173.

380

GLOSSARY.

Famyt, p. t. foamed, bubbled, gg. 636.
Fande, Faynd, imp. try, aa.xv. 11. GG.357-
Fane, vane, gc. 255.

Fane, Fayn, glad, joyful, gk. 388, 840, 1067.
gg. 83. In fayn, joyfully, 26. Jamieson
interprets the last example, fondly.
Fang, Fange, Fangin, to take, receive, ac-
cept, gk. 391. GG. 45, 357, 554, 902.
Fang, Fangis.^t. t. 576, 1002. Fangit,
p.p. 421.
Fannand, flowing, gk. 181.
Fantise, Fayntyse, deceit, cowardice, gk.

2435. GG. 1222.
Fantoun, phantom, illusion, gk.240.
Fahand, goodly, gk. 101 ; going, riding,

gg. 18.
Farar, fairer, more honorable, gg. 1035.
Fardellis, pieces, shivers, gg. 1019.
Fare, unusual display, entertainment, gk.
537, 694 ; behaviour, conduct, 1 1 16, 23S6 ;
course, path, 1793; proceeding, adventure,
2494 ; onset, aa. xxxi. 9, xli. 6 ; conduct,
speech, gc. 169. c. 115; step, movement,
action, gc. 181, 451, 466. c. 343. See
Fair.
Fare, to go, journey, Gr.K. 506. Fair, pr.t.
gg. 1293. Farez, imp. go ye, gk. 2149.
FAREN.p.p. gone, 1231.
Fadchion, falchion, or.K. 83,461.
Fauoure, appearance, aa. xiii. 10.
Fact, fault, gk. 1551, 2435.
Fautes, Fawtes, pr. t. fails, aa. xxv. 7,

xlv. 2.
Fauting, loss, failure, gg. 1222.
Fautles, Fautlez, faultless, gk. 640,1761,
Faw, Fawe, variegated, aa. vii. 2. gg. 475,

1279.
Fawlde, to embrace, AA.xxix. 12.
Fawne, pr. t. caress, gk. 1919.
Fawty, faulty, gk. 2382, 2386.
Fax, Faxe, hair, gk. 181. AA.xxix. 5.
Fay, Faye, faith, aa. xxxi. 8. gg. 17- J

443. tg. 92.
Fay, foe, gg. 56. Fays, pi. 486. See Fa
Faynd, see Fand.
Fayryje, enchantment, magic, gk. 240.

Faythely, certainly, gk. 1636.
Feald, truss (of straw,) c. 239- It is so ex-
plained on the authority of Dr. Grainger in

a MS. note in the Percy MS.
Feard, p.p. afraid, Gr.K. 232.
Fechtin, p. t. fought, gg. 758.
Fedyrt, p.p. feathered, gc. 106.
Feghtand, fighting, gg. 719.
Feill, Fel, Fele, Felle, many, gk. 122,

239,428,1566. aa. xxi. 2. gg. 28,485.

gc. 638. Fele-folde, manifold, gk.

1545.
Feir, Fere, demeanour, conduct, gg. 160,

810, 1264. See Affere.
Feir, Fere, companion, fellow, mate, gk.

676, 695, 915, 2411. gg. 280, 911, 1115.

FEIRES, FeREZ, pi. GK. 594. MG. 163.

In feir, In fere, together, in company,
gk. 267- aa. xxvi. 6. gg. 411, 565. GC
516. Gr.K. 250. tg. 64. c. 103.
Fel, Fell, Felle, fierce, bold, furious,
cruel, gk. 291, 847, 874. aa. iv. 8, xv. 4.
gg. 570, 802, 932. gc. 340. J. 366. tg.
229. akc. 246. Used substantively, gk.
1585.
Felajes, fellows, gk. 1702.
Felajschyp, fellowship, gk. 652.
Felde, to fold, embrace, gk. 841.
Felde, fold ? gk. 890.
Feler, more, greater, gk. 1391. SeeFEiLL.
Fell, Felle, hill, moor, gk. 723. aa. iii.
6. gg. 193, 1290, 1318. Fellis, pi. aa.
i. 8, iv. 10, vii. 2. GG. 26.
Fell, Felle, p. t. should befall, befell, gk.

1588. gg. 1200. See Fall.
Felle, skin, hide, gk. 943, 1359, 1944. gg.

352. Fellez, pi. gk. 880, 1737.
Fellely, Felly, fiercely, cruelly, boldly,

gk.2302. gg. 576, 762.
Felloune, cruel, fierce, gg. 070, 707.
Felonosly, keenly, aa. iv. 8.
Femed, p. t. foamed, gk. 1572.
Fend, to defend, Gr.K. 84.
Fenye, to feign, gg. 1187-
Fenye, Fenyeing, deceit, gg. 745, 856,
1117.

GLOSSARY.

381

Fenjeing, feigning, go. 16.

Fehd, fourth, gg. 656.

Ferde, host, troop, aa. xv. 4.

Ferde, fear, gk. 2130, 2272.

Ferde, Ferden, p. t. proceeded, acted, gk.

149, 703, 1282, 1433. See Fare.
Ferde, p. t. and p.p. feared, afraid, gk.

1295, 1588, 2382.
Fere, bold, gk. 103.
Ferk, to proceed, ride, gk. 1072, 1973.

Ferkez, Ferkkes, pr. t. rides, rises, 173,

2013. Ferked, p. t. ran, 2173.
Ferly, wonder, marvel, gk. 716, 2414. aa.

vi. 7, xxiii. 13. gc. 228. Ferlies, Fer-

lyes, pi. gk. 23. aa. xxiii. 13, MS. D.

xxiv. 1, MS. D. lv. 7. See Furley.
Ferly, Ferlyly, wondrous, wondrously,

gk. 388, 741, 766, 1694, 2494. gg. 475,

795.
Fermysoun, Fernysone, a hunting term,

applied to the time in which the male deer

were closed, or not allowed tobe killed, gk.

1156. AA.i. 8. Mr. Guest interprets it

winter season.
Ferre, afar, gk. 1093.
Ferum, see On-ferum.
Fest, to secure, fasten, gg. 421. Fest, pr. t.

gg. 1324. Fest,^.<. GK.2347- Festned,

p.p. 1783.
Feted, p. t. (?) gk. 1282.
Fetled, p. p. joined, gk. 656.
Fetly, featly, gk. 1758.
Fett, Fette, p. p. fetched, brought, gk.

1084. gc 430. c.467.
Feute, Fewte, fealty, gg. 431, 1324.
Feitred, p. t. fixed in the lance-rest, j. 50.

See Feuter in Gloss, to Will, and Wer-
wolf.
Fey, p. p. dead, slain, aa. xxii. 2, MS. D.

gg.040, 1067,1110.
Fych, to fix, gk. 396. Fichede, Fyched,

p.p.6o8. aa. xxxix. 6.
Fyers, fierce, spirited, J. 158.
Fyked.p. I. shrank, was troubled, GK. 2274.
Fildore, gold thread, Fr. Jil d'or, gk. 189.
Fyled, p.p. ground, gk. 2225.

Fylyolez, round towers? gk. 796. In
Douglas the same term occurs in the form
of fyellis. See Jamieson, in v. and also
the quotation under Enhaned.

Fylit, p.p. disgraced, gg. 1038.

Fylle, to fulfil, gk. 1405, 1934.

Fylor, grindstone? gk. 2225.

Fylter, to weave ? gk. 986. See Jamieson,
in v.

Fyne, perfect, unconditional, gk. 1239.

Fynisment, end, finish, gk. 499.

Fynly, wholly? gk. 1391.

fFiRE, perhaps a mistake for Fere, fear,
gk. 1304.

Firmyscuamis ? aa. i. 8. MS. D. Omitted
in the Glossaries of Pinkerton and Ja-
mieson. It has undoubtedly some con-
nexion with Fermysoun.

Firre, Fyrre, further, gk. 378,411, 1105,
2121.

First, early, youthful, gk. 54.

Firth, an inclosed wood, gg. 193, 1293.

FlRTHES, FlRTHIS, pi. x\A. XXvi. 6. GG.

27. See Frithe.

Fyskez, p. t. runs, gk. 1704.

Fitt, division of a poem or lay, Gr.K. 263.

Fyjed, p. t. were fair? gk. 796.

Flat, ground, field, gk. 507.

Flaugh, Flaw, Flaj, Flaje,/). t. flew, fled,
gk. 459, 2274, 2276. gg. 857. akc.
224.

Flekerit, p.p. spotted, gg. 475.

Flendris, splinters, gg. 915.

Flet, Flette, floor, gk. 294, 568, 832, 859,
1374, 1653,1925.

Flete, p.t. flitted, flew, gk. 1566.

Flynd, flint, gg. 28.

Flone, arrow, gk. 1161. Flonez, Flon-
nus, pi. 1566. gc. 106.

Flosche, flood, pool, gk. 1430. In Bar-
bour, Flouss.

Floten, p.p. removed, distant, gk. 714.

Flure, flory, floured, AA.xxxi. 11, MS. D.

Fnast, Fxasted, to brealhe hard, gk. 1587,
1702. See Glossary to Havelok, in v. and
Reply to Singer's Remarks, p. 35.

382

GLOSSARY.

Foyned, p. t. kicked, gk. 428.

Foysoun, plenty, gk. 122.

Fold, Folde, Foulde, earth, ground, gk.

23, 196, 396. 422. aa. xxxiv. 2,xxxvii. 8.

gg. 56, 570.
Folden, p. p. folded, gk. 959 ; plighted,

1783.
Foldez, imp. grantthou, gk. 359; pr. t. ac-
cords, 499.
Fole, fool, gk. 1545.
FoLOWED.p.p. baptised, aa. xviii.4, MS.D.

See Fullede.
Foly, foolishly, gk.324.
Foljande, following, suitable, gk. 145, 859.
F0L3ES, pr. t. follows, gk. 1164. Foiled,

p. /. followed, 1895.
Fonde, to try, endeavour, prove, gk. 291,

565, 986. Fonde, subj. might find, 1875.

Fondet, Founded, p. t. attempted,

proved, 1549, 2125, 2130.
Fondene, see Found.
Foxdred, Founderit, Foundrit, p. t.

foundered, gave way, aa. xlii. 9. gg. 640,

1022.
Fonge, to take, receive, gk.816, 1556, 1622.

Fongen, pr. t. 1265. Fong, Fonge, p. t.

646, 1363, 1315. Fonge, Fonged, p.p.

919,1315.
F00, large, largely? gk. 1430, 2326.
For, because, gk. 258 ; before? 965, 1822.
For-bett,/). p. thoroughly beaten, aa. li. 8.
For-blede, p.p. covered with blood, aa.

li. 8.
Force, matter, tg. 265.
Fordone, p.p. destroyed, a a. xxi. 10, MS.D.
fFoRDWARD, covenant, gg. 1329. See For-
ward.
Fore, p. p. fared, c. 228. See Fare.
fFoREFORE, to destroy, kill, tg. 32. For-

FERDE, ;). /. GK. 1617. FORFAREN, p.p.

GK. 1895.
Fore-lete, to loose, GC 209.
Fore-thoght, p. t. repented, gc. 336.
Forga, to lose, gg. 1183, 1189.
Forlancyng, cutting off, gk. 1334.
Fori.orne, p.p. destroyed, gg. 277.

Forme, beginning, gk.499 ; foremost, gk.

2373.
Forne, formerly? gk. 2422.
Foroutin, without, gg. 499, 12S6.
For-sake, to deny, gk. 475. Forsoke,

p.t. 1826.
Forsiest, mightiest, gg. 786.
Forsnes, strength, gk. 646.
Forssis, pr. t. enforce ? gg. 202.
Forssy, powerful, mighty, gg. 487. Used

substantively, 719-
Forst, frost, gk. 1694.
Forth, Forthe, Forj, ford, stream, gk.

1585,1617,2173.
For-thi, For-thy, therefore, gk. 27, 240,

283,455. aa. xxxiv. 9. gg. 364.
Forward, Forwarde, covenant, gk. 1105,

1395, 1636. Forwardes, Forwardez,

Forewardes, pi. 37S, 409, 1405. 1. 35.
For-wondred, p.p. astonished, gk. 1660.

aa. xxvi. 9, MS. D.
Forjate, p. t. forgot, gk. 1472.
For-3Elde,s»A/. requite, gk. 839,1279,1 53d.
Fotez, feet, gk. 574.
Fotte, to fetch, gk. 451.
Found, to go, journey, gg. 884, 933.

Foundez, Foundis, Fowndis, pr. t. gk.

1585, 2229. aa. xxi. 1, 2. gg. 109, 370,

660. FoNDENE,p\/./>Z. aa. xxi. 1, MS.D.

Found, Fowndede, p. t. journeyed, aa.

xxxi. 9. gg. 636,909, 1293. Founded,

p.p. gk.267.
FouRCHEZ,p?.ahunting term, applied to the

forks or haunches of the deer, gk. 1357.

The same term is used in the Boke of St.

Allan's, 1496.

And after the ragge-boon kyttyth euyn also,
Theforchis and the sydes euyn bytwene,
And loke that your knyues ay whettyd bene ;
Thenne turne vp the forchis, and frote theym

wyth blood,
For to saue grece ; so doo men of good.

Fra, from, gg. 58.

Fraist, Frayst, to ask, seek, gk. 409. aa.
xxxii. 9. gg. 121. Frayst, Fraystez,

GLOSSARY.

383

pr.t. ask, askest, gk. 279, 455 ; tries, 503.
Frayst, Fhaysted, p. p. asked, 324, 391*
1395; tried, proved, 1679.

Frastyn, to prove, go. 902. See Fraist,
Frestin.

Fratit, p.p. fretted? wrought? gg.889.

Frauce, deceit? Gr.K. 355.

Frauxchis, Fraunchyse, frankness, li-
berality, gk. 652, 1264.

Fray, to frighten, gg. 486. See Affray.

Fhay.v, to seek, gk. 489. Frayxed, p. t.
andy. p. asked, 359, 703, 1046.

Fre, noble, gk. 101,847, 1156, 1885, 1961.
gg. 138, 379. Used substantively, lady,
being understood, gk. 1545, 1549, 1783.

Freely, noble, lovely, used substantively,
a a. vxix. 12.

Freest, most noble, gk. 2422.

Freik,Frek,Freke, man, warrior, gk. 149,
196,241,651. aa. xxi. l,xxxi. 8. gg. 56,
83, 106. Frekez, gen. man's, gk. 537.
Frekes, Frekez, Frekis, pi. men, 703,
840,1172. gg. 370 ; persons, aa. vii. 1.

Fheyxdfully', friendly, GG. 1173.

Fremedly, as a stranger, gk. 714.

Fremmyt, strangers, gg. 909, 1079.

Frend, p. t. asked, Gr.K. 256. See Frayn.

Frexkysch, French? frank? jocular? gk.
1116. In the Chester miracle-play of The
Deluge the term is used by Noah's wife,

In faith, Noe, I had as lief thou had sleped, for

all thy frankish fare,
For I will not doe after thy red.

It is explained by the editor nonsense.

See A Collection of English Miracle-Plays,

etc. By W. Marriott, 8vo, Basel, 1838,

p. 6.
Fren-yeis, fringes, gg. 318, 889.
Fres, p. t. froze, gk. 728.
Fresch, vigorous, gg. 1259.
Freschly, quickly, gk. 1294.
Fresoxe, Frieseland horse, aa. xxxi. 8,

xliii. 5.
Frestin, to prove, gg. 911. Frest, p. t.

695. See Fraist, Frastyn.

Frete, Frett, Frette, p.p. fretted, laced,

braided, aa. xxix. 5. GC. 422. Gr.K. 278.
Frydde for Fryth, aa. i. 7, MS. D.
Frithe, Fryth, Frythe, an inclosed wood,

gk. 1430, 1973,2151. AA.xxvi.6,MS.D.

Gr.K. 60. Frithes, Frythes, Frythez.

Frythis, pi. gk. 695. aa. i. 8, MS. D.

liii. 6.
Frythede, p. p. wooded, aa. i. 7-
Fro, from the time that, gk.8,62; from,

1336.
Frote, pr. t. rub, gk. 1919.
Frounses, pr. t. wrinkles, contracts, gk.

2306.
Frount, forehead, gk. 959.
fFROWE, from, gc 118.
Fruschit, p. t. rushed with violence, gg.

565,617.
Fulye, explained by Jamieson, leaf-gold,

gg. 939.
Fulyeit, p. t. and p. p. injured, destroyed,

gg. 92S, 1110.
Fullede, p. p. baptised, aa. xviii. 4. See

Folowed.
Fulsum, to help, aid, gk. 99.
Funden, p. p. found, gk.640.
Funnestane, font, aa. xviii. 4.
Fure, p. t. went, rode, aa. lv. 10. gg. 676.
Furley, n. wonder, marvel, or.K. 354.

Furleys, pi. 286. See Ferly.
Furley, adj. wondrous, Gr.K. 280.
Furlenth, furlong, gg. 1279.
Fusioun, abundance, gg. 222.
Fust, hand? gk. 391.
Fute, Fu yt, track of a fox or beast of chace,

by the odour, gk. 1425. See Boke of St.

Alhan's, and Malory's Morte d' Arthur, B.

18,ch.xxi. Also Gloss, to Will, and Wer-
wolf, v. Feute.

Gaa, Gay-, to go, aa. v. 8. gg. 54. Q.\.

GA.YS,pr.t. aa.v. 9. gg. 591. SeeGAXE.
Gay, an epithet, used substantively, and

applied to both sexes, gk. 970, 1822, 2035.

384

GLOSSARY.

aa. xli. 10. gg. 988. Hence we may,
perhaps, correct the doubtful reading in
gk. 1215.
Gaylyardb, sprightly, gay, used substan-
tively, aa. xxxviii. 12.
Gayn, to require, befit, gk. 584.
Gayn, prompt, gk. 178 ; fit, proper, 1241.
Gayn, Gayne, promptly, quickly, gk. 1621,

aa. vii. 7.
Gaynest, nearest, speediest, gk. 1973.
Gaynly, fitly, promptly, gk. 476, 1297.
Gaystyn, Geystyn, to lodge, gc. 146, 164.
Gait, Gate, way, road, path, gk. 696, 778,

930. 60.54,131,381. J. 121 ; enterprise,

gg. 124, 744, 791- Gates, Gatis, pi.

roads, ways, gk. 709. aa. iii. 2, vii. 7-
Gambesounns, Gamesons, quilted dou-
blet to defend the body, aa. xxxi. 3.
Gamen, Gamene, Gamyn, sport, game,

AA.v.7,xii. 3, MS.D. xxxiv. 7. gg. 1144.

Gammenes, Gamnes, Gamnez, pi. gk.

1319. AA.xii. 3, xxxi. 12. See Gomen.
Gane, to go, gg.8. See Gaa.
Gane, prompt, gg. 1027. See Gayn.
Ganyeis, darts, arrows, gg. 465.
Gar, Gare, Garr, Garre, to cause, aa.

xvii.2,xlix. 11. gg. 472, 1080. Gr.K. 147.

tg. 23. Gared, Gart, Garte, p. t. and

p.p. gk. 2460. aa. xxxvii. 13, )v. 1. GG.

295, 880, 952.
Garatouris, watch-towers, gg. 482.
Caret, turret, watch-tower, gg. 525. Ga-

rytez, pi. gk. 791. See Du Cange, v.

Garitce.
Gargulun, part of the inwards of a deer,

apparently included in the numbles. gk.

1335, 1340. See Scott's Notes to Sir

Tristrem, p. 387, ed. 1833.
Garsone, Garysoun, treasure, reward, gk.

1255,1807,1837. aa. xii. 4, MS. D. Gar-

sommes, Garsons, Gersomes, pi. aa.

xii. 4, liv. 8.
Gast, p.p. afraid, gk.325.
Gaudi, ornament? gk. 167.
Gef, p. 1. see Gif.
Geir, Geere, Gere, armour, gk. 569, 584.

GG. 738, 987. Gr.K. 234 ; applied to spears,
672. Gerez, pi. apparel, gk. 1470.
Gent, fair, comely, gg. 72. gc. 364. Used
substantively, king being understood, gg.
1285.
Gentrice, Gentrise, courtesy, honor, gg.

139,1105, 1202.

Gerez, pr. t. arrays, gk. 1872. Gered,

p. t. and p. p. dressed, arrayed, 179, 957,

2227; disposed, 791; made, fashioned,

1832.

Gerse, pr. t. causes, aa. xvii. 6. See Gar.

Geserne, Giserne, axe, gk. 288, 326, 375,

2265.
Get, booty, gain, gk. 1638.
Geten, p. t. and;>. p. got, gk. 1171, 1625.
Geterone, Gyttorne, gitern, a sort of

guitar, gc. 599. c.466.
fGEWES, pr. t. probably a mistake for
Glewes, look, aa. x. 11. MS. D. reads
Glowes.
Ghesting, lodging, hospitable reception,

akc 65, 67.
Gyde, attire, gown, aa. i. 2, xxix. 2.
Gif, to give, gk. 288, 365. Gef, p. t. gk.

370, 668, 2349.
Gif, Giffe, Gine, if, aa. xlviii. 13. gg. 56,

329. tg. 25.
Gyld, p.p. gilded, ge. 569.
Gyllis, glens, aa. xxxiii. 2. The word oc-
curs in the same sense in La Bone Flo-
rence of Rome, ap. Ritson, iii. 60. The
MS. D. corruptly reads grylles, which
consequently finds a place in Jamieson's
Dictionary.
Gyng, assembly, 6K. 224.
Gird, to strike, smite, (governed by let) gg.
106, 936. Gyrdez, pr. t. strikes, spurs,
gk. 2160. Gird, Gyrd, pr. t. pi. spur,
strike, gg. 912, 999- Girdede, Girdit,
p. t. struck, aa. xlvii. 8 ; drew, gg. 848.
See Gurdene.
Girdand, spurring, riding, GG. 86.
Gyrse, grass, aa. xxix. 2.
Glade, to gladden, gk. 989. GLADiT.p.r.
entertained, gg. 208.

GLOSSARY.

385

Gladloker, gladlier, gk. 1064.

Glaid,^). /.glided, rode.GG. 888. See Glod.

Glam, noise, cry, clamor, gk. 1426, 1562.

See also MS. Cott. Nero, A. x. f. 68b.
Glaueraxde, noisy, yelping, gk. 1426.
The same term is used in the metrical
.1/or/e Arthur?, MS. Line. f. 80.
Glauis, swords? gg. 558.
Glaumande, riotous, gk. 46.

Glede, Gleed, Gleid, burningcoal, ember,
gk. 1609. AA.xxxi. 3, MS. D. gg. 558.
gc. 237. akc. iii. 262. Gledez, Gledis,
Gledys, pi. gk. 891. aa. ix. 13, xxxi. 3.

Glemand, gleaming, gg. 557.

Glent, n. glance, gk. 1290.

Glent, p. t. glanced, looked, gk. 82, 476 ;
shone, 172, 569, 604; brightened, started
up, 1652 ; shrank, 2292.

Gleterande, Glyterande, glittering, gk.
2039. AA. ii. 2, iii. 1, xxxvi. 3.

Glydanoe, gliding, gk. 2266.

Glyfte, p.t. looked, gk. 2265. AA.xxviii. 5.
MS. D. reads Gliffed, which is mis-
printed Glissed by Pinkerton, and thence
inserted in Jamieson's Dictionary.

Glisna.vd, glistening, glittering, gg. 525,
652.

Glister, pr. t. glitter, akc 111.

Glyjt,p. t. looked, gk. 842, 970. Probably
only another form of Glyfte.

Glod, p. t. glided, gk. 661.

Glode, clump, hillock, tuft? gk. 2266.
Glodes, pi. 2181.

Glomede,/)./. gleamed, glowed, AA.xxxi. 3.

Gloppe, Gloppynne, pr. t. wail, lament,
aa. vii. 13. Gloppened, Gloppenyde,
p. t. wailed, mourned, aa. viii. 1, xli. 10,
xlii. 10.

Glowaxd, glowing, aa. ix. 13. GG. 558.

Glowes, pr. t. looks, aa. x. 11, MS. D.

Goande, going, walking, gk. 2214.

Godamercy ! an exclamation easily cor-
rupted from God have mercy ! Gr.K. 138.

Godly, Godlych, Goudly-, goodly, cour-
teously, GK. 273, 584, 1933.

Gog, a corruption of God, gk. 390.

3

Gome, man, knight, warrior, gk. 151, 178,
325,375. AA.xxxiv. 7, MS.D. (Inthislast
instance Jamieson makes a strange blun-
der, by joining the part, graithe on to the
noun.) gg. 583, 698. Gomes, Gommes,
Gom ys, pi. aa. v. 9, xxxvi. 3. gg. 1 169.
Gomen, game, sport, gk. 273, 661, 1014,
1376. Gommes, Gomnez, pi. 495, 683,
1894. See Gamen.
Gomenly, playfully, gk. 1079.
Gopnvng, affright ? gk. 2461.
Gorde, p.p. gird, gk. 1851.
Gordez, pr. I. strikes, spurs, gk. 2062.

See Gird.
Gorger. wrapper or covering for the throat,

gk. 957.
Gost, spirit, life, gk. 2250.
Gostlych, ghostly, gk. 2461.
Gotj, pr. I. goeth, goes, gk. 375, 1293 ;

imp. go ye, 2119.
Goulez, Goulis, Gowlez, Gowns, gules,

gk. 619, 663. gg. 21, 603.
Gracons, Greek ? gk. 216.
Graied,^).^. a contracted form of Ghai-

thed, arrayed, aa. xxxi. 4, MS. D.
Grayes, pr. t. becomes gray, gk. 527.
Grayne, to groan, gg. 472. GRANES,pr. t.

aa. xlvii. 9.
Graith, imp. prepare or undertake thou, gg.
124. Graithis, Graythez, pr. t. makes
ready, goes, gk. 2014. gg. 170. Grai-
thit, Graythed, Graythede, p. t. and
p.p. arrayed, dressed, prepared, gk. 74,
109, 151, 666, 876, 2259. aa. xxxi. 4, xl.
1. go. 131,482, 547, 603, 1262; accom-
plished, 1267.
Grayth, Graythe, ready, prepared, gk.

448, 597, 2047.
Graithly, Graythely, readily, speedily,
GK. 417, 876, 1006, 1335. AA. xl. 1. gg.
54, 1023; steadfastly, cheerfully? gk.
1470, 2292.
Grame, anger, j. 98 ; mischief, Gr.K. 392.

See Grem.
Gramest, most angry, gg. 471. Jamieson
chooses to interpret this warlike.

386

GLOSSARY.

Granes, pi. groans, aa. xlviii. 9.
Graxt-merci, Graunt-mercy, gramercy,

thanks, gk. 838, 1037, 1392.
fGRASSE for Grease, c. 19.
Grat, p. t. wept, gg. 1141. See Grete.
Grathest, readiest ? aa. xxxiv. 10, MS. D.
Grattest, greatest, gk. 207, 1441.
Ghe, degree, dignity, superiority, gg. 698,

1162.
Greches, pr. 1. grows angry ? aa. xli. 4.
Greif, rage, passion, gg. 925, 960.
Greif, adj. heavy ? gg. 1262.
Greis, steps, gg. 482.
Grem, Greme, anger, gk. 312, 1507, 2370 ;

mischief, 2251. See Grame.
Gremed, p. t. was grieved, aa. xli. 4.
Gren, to roar, c. 213.
Grenne, pr. t. made game, gk. 464.
Gres, Gresse, grass, gk. 235, 2181.
Gret, p. t. greeted, accosted, gk. 842, 1933.

gg. 377.
Grete, used substantively for nobles, great

men, gk. 2490.
Grete, ». cry, aa. xxv. 12, xxvi. 1.
Grete, Gretyxe, to cry, weep, gk. 2157-

aa. viii. 8, xxii. 5. Gretes, Grete, pr. /.

vii. 13, xlvi. 9. Grett, p. t. viii. 1.
Greue, grove, copse, gk. 1355, 1707, 1898,

1974. Greues, Greuez, Greuys, pi.

207, 508. aa. v. 8, xxvi. 2, MS. D. Hi. 2.
Greues, greaves, leg-armour, gk. 575.
Greundes, greyhounds, aa. v. 8, MS. D.

Jamieson most absurdly explains this

grandees I
Gryed, p. <. trembled, was agitated, gk. 2370.
Grille, to torment, aa. xlix. 8. Grilles,

pr. t. torments, xxxiii. 6.
Grylle, hideous, frightful, aa. xlviii. 9.
fGRYLLES, see Gyllis.
Grymme, cruel, gk. 2260.
Gryndel, wrath, fierce, gk, 2338.
Gryndel-layk, anger, fierceness, gk. 312.
Gryndelly, wrathfully, gk. 2299.
Gryndelstox, grindstone, gk. 2202.
Grip, possession, tenure, gg. 1169. Grip-
pis, pi. grasp, gripe, 347.

Gripped, Grippit, Gryped. p. t. grasped,

gk. 421, 1335. GG. 1026.
Grisly, horribly, fearfully, aa. xlvii. 2, 9.
Grythe, respite, aa. v. 7.
Grome, Grume, man, knight, gk. 1006.

gg. 105, 148, 1000, 1114. Gromys,

Grumys,^/. 8, 1027, 1144.
Groxy-ed, p. t. grunted as a wild-boar, gk.

1442.
Grosse, — In grosse, all together, gg. 1 168.
Groux, to bellow, gc. 238.
Growelyxge, grovelling, aa. xlvii. 8.
Gruch, to grudge, gk. 2251.
Gruchyxg, misliking, gk.2126.
Grulixgis, gen. abs. in a grovelling attitude,

gg. 1024.
Grume, Grumys, see Grome.
Grwe,wU1? gk.2251. Compare Grieu and

Ore in Roquefort.
Gudly, courteous, complaisant, aa.H. 2.
Gurdes, pr. t. smites, aa. xlv. 10. Gur-

dene, pr.t.pl. spur, xxxix. 1, MS. D.

See Gird.

H.

Habbe, Habbes, Habbez, pr. t. have, hast,
GK. 327, 452, 626, 1252.

Haches, racks for hay, aa. xxxv. 6, MS. D.
See Hecke.

Haden, p. t.pl. had, gk. 52, 1446.

Hadet, p.p. at enmity? gk.681.

Hay ! exclamation or cry of the hunters, gk.
1158, 1445. In the former instance it is
most incorrectly rendered hedge by Mr.
Guest, Hist. E. R. ii. 169. See Hyghe.

Hail, all, gg. 434.

Haylce, to embrace, salute, gk. 2493.
Haylses, pr. t. 972. Haylsed, p. t.
223,810,829. See Halch, Halsed.

Hailly, Halely, wholly, gg/1"5, 1299,
1317.

Hailsixg, encounter, gg. 703.

Hait, eager, courageous, gg. 742 ; used ad-
verbially ; hotly, fiercely, 949.

Halawed, p.p. hallooed, gk. 1723.

fHALCE, neck, gk.427.

GLOSSARY.

387

Halch, to salute, embrace, mo. 65. Hal-

CHED, p. t. and p.p. GK. 939. MG. 73.

See Halsed, Haylce.
Halchez, pr. t. fastens, gk. 1613. Hal-
ched, p. t. looped, fastened, 185, 218,
657, 1852.
Hald, stronghold, go. 371,583.
Haldand, holding, gg. 259.
Halde, to hold, gk. 1125. Haldes, Hal-
dez, pr. t. holds, 53, 627. Halden, p. t.
held, 124 ; p. p. obliged, bound, 1040,
1828; esteemed, 1297. Halt,;), p. held,
2079. In the last instance we recognise
the common phrase of hold up, as applied
to the heavens.

Hale, whole, gg. 602, 1344.

Halely, see Hailly.

HALES,/jr.?.drives,rushes,GK.136. Haled,
Halled, p. t. rushed, 458 j rose, 788 ;
pulled, hauled, 1338 ; shot, discharged,
1455; p.p. pulled? 157; gone, 1049.
In most if not all the above instances the
radical meaning of quick motion is pre-
dominant. See Ihre, Gloss. Suio-Goth.,\.
Hdlla, in the 7th signification.

Half, behalf, gk. 2149. See Halue.

Halydam, reliques of the saints ? gk. 2123.
See Holydome.

Halm, handle, gk. 218, 330, 2224.

Hals, Halse, neck, gk. 621, 1353, 1639.

Halsed, p. t. saluted, aa. xxvii. 8, MS. D.
c. 190. See Halch, Haylce.

Halsumly, comfortably, gk. 1731.

Haltane, haughty, proud, used substantive-
ly, gg. 962; precious, 963. SeeHAWTANE.

Halue, behalf, gk. 326, 692, 2119; side,
742, 1552. Halue, pi. sides, gk. 2070,
2165. See Half.

Haluendelle, half-part, aa. 1. 2.

Haljez, saints, gk. 2122.

Hamlounez, pr. t. a hunting term, used of
the wiles of the fox, gk. 1708. So in the
Boke of St. Alban's, 1496.

And yf your houndes at a chace renne there ye
hunte,

And the beest begyn to renne, as hartes ben wonte,

3 D

Or for to hanylon, as dooth the foxe wyth his

gyle.
Or for to crosse, as the roo doth otherwhyle.

And in the older treatise of Twety, MS.
Cott. Vesp. A. xii. f. 6b. " Sohow gothe
to alle maner of chaces, and couplyng,
and dyscouplyng, but if yowre houndes
renne to one chace, that is to seye, rusejt,
or hamylone, or croisethe, or dwelle, and
they conne not put it no ferthere, ye shal
seye, Ho so, amy, so, venez a coupler."
Hence also may be explained the passage
so miserably glossed in Hearne's Peter
Langtoft, p. 308.

With hanelon thani led, to mak the purale.
Han, pr. t.pl. have, gk. 23, 1089, 2093.
Hanselle, specimen, first occurrence, gk.

491. See Honde-selle.
Hap vpon heje, a phrase somewhat equi-
valent to hap-hazard, gk.48.
Hapnest, most fortunate ? gk. 56.
Happed, p.p. fastened, gk. 655 ; wrapped,

864.
Happunys, pi. fortunes, chances, gg. 825.
Hakbarrowe, p.p. lodged, Gr.K. 348.
Harborowe, Harborrow, Harbrowe,
lodging, gc 137, 147. Gr.K. 300. c. 145.
See Herberrow.
Hardyne, (?) gc. 241.
Hare, hoary, aa. iv. 6. See Hore.
Harle, pr. t. drag, aa. xv. 5. Harled,

p.p. drawn, trailed, gk. 744.
Harrowes, pr. t. robs, plunders, gk. 420.
The oath here used may be found also in
Chaucer and Lyndsay.
Has, pr. t. have, gg. 453.
Hasppez,^)'. t. clasps, gk. 1388. Hasped,

p.p. clasped, closed, 281, 590, 831.
Hastlettez, part of the inwards of a wild
boar, gk. 1612. In modern writers spelt
harslets and haslets. See Richardson's
Dictionary.
Hat, Hatte, pr. t. am named, gk. 253,
381, 2445 ; is called, 10. Hattes, art
named, 379, 401. See Heght.

388

GLOSSARY.

Hathel, Hathill, properly an adjective,
but used substantively to denote generally
a noble person, knight, or warrior, gk.
221, 234, 256, 309, 655, 844. GG. 900,
952, 963. Applied to God, gk. 2056, and
to an attendant, 2065. Hatheles, Ha-

THELESE, HATHELLES, HaTHELEZ, Ha-

thillis,^. gk. 829, 895,949, U38, 1602.

a a. iv. 5, MS. D. x. 13. xxxviii. 7, xlvi. 1.

gg. 1299. See Athel.
Hatterit, p. I. shattered, gg. 702.
Hatj, hath, gk. passim.
Hauberghe, Hawberke, Hawbrgh,

hauberk, cuirass, gk. 203, 268. Gr.K.

82.
Hawe, azure, aa. ii. 5.
Hawtane, proud ; used adverbially, gg. 923,

and substantively, 949. See Haltane.
Hawtesse, nobility, power, gk. 2454.
Hajer, more noble, gk. 352, 1738.
fHEATHENNEST, heathendom, akc. 55.
Hecht, promise, vow, gg. 293.
Hecke, rack for hay, c. 232, 258. Hekkes,

pi. aa. xxxv. 6. See Haches.
Hef, p. t. heaved, hove, raised, gk. 120,

826, 1587.
Heght, p. /. was named, gg. 654, 742. See

Hat, Hett.
Heghte, Height, n. See On heghte.
Heich, tall, gg. 900.
Heill, to submit ? gg. 1309.
Heynd, Heyndly, see Hende.
Heir, host, army, gg. 1299. See Here.
Heldande, bowing, iuclining, gk. 972,

1104.
Helden, to ride, follow, gk. 1692. Hel-

dez, pr.t. moves, advances, 221. Held,

Heldet, p. t. set, went down, 1321 ;

moved, went back, 2331 ; went, led, gg.

126, 132. Helden, p. t.pl. went, rode,

gk. 1922.
Helder, more, in a greater degree, gk. 376,

430. A word still preserved in Lancashire

and the North. See also Ihre, v. Hceller.
Hele, Helle, health, prosperity, gg. 1103,

1176. gc. 171.

Helyn, to heal, gg. 882.

Heling, covering, aa. ix. 4, MS. D. See

Hillynge.
Hem, them, gk. 862. aa. passim, MS. D.
Heme, close, tight? gk. 157.
Hemely, secretly, closely, gk. 1852. Dan.

hemmelig.
Hende, Heynd, fair, courteous ; an epithet

applied to both sexes, gk. 108, 405, 467,

647, 896, 1104, 1731. aa. xxix. 13. GG.

126, 924, 1246. Used substantively,

kniyht or lady being understood, gk. 827,

946, 1252, 1813, 2330. aa. liv. 9. gg.

183, 219. Hende, pi. used substantively,

gg. 132.
Hendelayk, courtesy, gk. 1228. See also

MS. Cott. Nero A. x. f. 68b.
Hendeste, fairest, gk. 26. aa. xi. 1.
Hendly, Hendely, Heyndly, fairly, cour-
teously, well, GK. 773, 829,895, 1228. aa.

iv. 5, xxvii. 8, xxxv. 6. gg. 132, 358.
HENGES.^r. t. hangs, gk. 182. Henged,

p. t. hanged, 732, 1345. See Hynge.
Henne, hence, gk. 1078.
Hent, to take, receive, gk. 827. Hentes,

pr. t. 605. Hent, Hente, p. t. 864, 983,

2277,2317. gc. 393. Gr.K. 82. Hent,

p.p. gk. 2323, 2484. aa. xxxviii. 7.
Her, Here, their, gk. 54, 120, 428, et

pass. aa. iv. 3, MS. D. etpass. gc 175,

648.
Herande, hearing, gk. 450.
Herber, lodging, gk. 755,812.
Herber, to lodge, gk. 805. Herbered,

p.t. 2481.
Herberrow, Herborow, Herbrow,

lodging, gc. 126, 173, 342. c. 167. See

Harborowe.
Herborow, to lodge, gc. 143.
Herbory, lodging, gc. 184.
Herde, coarse ? aa. ii. 5, MS. D.
Here, host, army, gk. 59, 2271. gg. 1147.

See Heir.
Here, hair, gk. 180, 436 ; bristles, 1587.
Here, loss, injur)', gg. 703.
Here, to praise, gk. 1634.

GLOSSARY.

389

Hered- men, Hi rdm ENNE.courtiers, nobles,

attendants, gk. 302. aa. iv. 5.
Herle, twist, fillet, gk. 190.
Herre, higher, gk. 333.
Hersvm, devout? gk. 932.
Hes, Hest, order, bidding, gk. 1039, 1090,

1092. Hestes, pi. promises, aa. xix. 1,

MS. D.
Hest, highest, noblest, gk. 550.
Hete, to promise, gk. 2121. Hete, Hett,

HETTEZ,f»'.r.GK.448. aa. xix.l. GC.411.

c.462. Hette, p.p. gk. 450. See Hyjt.
Heterly, Hetterly, violently, strongly,

gk. 1 152, 1446, 1462, 1587, 2311 ; quickly,

suddenly? 2291, 2317. See Gloss, to

Will, and Werwolf, v. Hetterli.
Hetes,/)/. promises, gk. 1525.
Hethex, Hethynxe, hence, gk. 1794,

1879. aa. xx. 13.
Hett, p. t. was named, gt.k. 40. See

Heght.
Heuch, p. t. hewed, gg. 702.
Heue, heavy ? gk. 2S9.
Helen-, pr. t. pi. raise, gk. 1346. Heuen-

ed, p.p. raised, gk. 349. See MS. Cott.

Nero A. x. f. 64.
Helen-ryche, heaven, gk. 2423.
Hewex.ji.j). forged, gk.211.
Hewes, colors, gk. 1761. See Huwe.
Hewyne, heaven, gg. 1317.
Hewys, pr. t. strike ? aa. xv. 5.
Hej, He;e, high, gk. 48, 222, 593 ; noble,

812, 831 ; important, 1051. Used adverb-
ially, 1417. See Hije.
He;ly, loudly, devoutly? gk. 755, 773,

highly, greatly, 94 9; nobly? 983.
Hicht, height, gg. 900.
Hide, Hyde, skin, body, gk. 2312. gg. 564.
Hider, hither, gk.264.
Hidwies, hideous, gg. 727, 861.
Hye, Hyj, to hasten, gk. 2121. akc. 72.

Hyjes, Hyjez, pr. t. 521, 1351, 1462.

Hijen, Hyjen, pr. t. pi. gk. 1910. aa.

x. 7, MS. D. Hye, Hyje, imp. hasten

thou, gk. 299. J- 127. Hijed, Hyit,/j. /.

gk. Ill, 826, 1153.

Highe, Hij, Hy, Hye, Hyje, haste ; always
preceded by in or on, gk. 245. aa. iv. 5,
MS. D. xxxii. 1, xxxviii. 7, MS. D. liv. 9,
MS. D. gg. 735, 926, 949. gc. 287.

Hyghe! shout or exclamation of the hunters,
gk. 1445. See Hay.

Hight, Hijt, Hyghe, Hyght, Hyjt. See
On heghte.

HiLLYiNGE, covering, aa. ix. 4. See He-
lixg.

fHiM for Hem, gk.49.

Hynge, p. t. hung, gc. 535. See He.vges.

Hint, Hynt, to take, receive, gg. 674, 803.
Hynt,p. t. andp.p. took, taken, received,
527,703,727; went, 62.

Hypped, p. t. hopped, jumped, gk. 1459,
2232.

Hirdmenne, see Hered-men.

Hit, it, joined to a plural noun, as in Ger-
man, gk. 280, 1251.

Hi;e, Hyghe, Hyje, noble, gk. 120 ; loud,
307, 468, 1165, (not long, as Mr. Guest
would have it,) 1602; tall, 1154. Used
substantively for heights, high ground, gk.
1152, 1169, 2004, in the two former of
which instances Mr. Guest explains it very
erroneously by hedge. Hist. E. R. vol.
ii. p. 169. So, in the Wycliffite Bible, 1
Kings, cap. 9 : " To-day forsothe he came
into the cytee, for to-day is sacrifyce of
the peple in the heey)." MS. Trin. Coll.
Dubl.A. 1.9.

Hijlich, noble, admirable? gk. 183.

Hyjt, pr. t. promise, gc. 378. Hyghte,
HY)T,p. t. promised, gk. 1966, 2218. gc.
591.

Hyjt, height, stature, gk. 332.

Hyjthet, high, tall, gc 259.

Hijtly, fitly, gk. 1612.

Ho, she, gk. 934, 948, 1001, 1191, 1206.
aa. iii. 1, et passim, MS. D.

Hochis, houghs? gg. 674.

Hod, Hode, hood, gk. 155,2297.

Hoe! Hoo ! halt! stop! gk. 2330. tg. 121.

Hoi., Hole, Holle, whole, entire, gk. 1338,
1406, 1613, 2296.

390

GLOSSARY.

Hold, Holde, castle, mansion, gk. 771.

gc. 146, 186. Gr.K.348. c. 100.
Holde, faithfully, gk.2129.
Holdely, faithfully, carefully, gk. 1875,

2016.
Holkede, p. p. sunk, aa. ix. 12.
Holle, Holj, hollow, gk. 2182. aa. ix. 12.
Hollen, the holly, mg. 55, 102. Holyn-

bobbe, holly-bough, gk. 206.
Holly, wholly, gk. 1049, 1257.
Holst, pr. t. holdest, gc. 481.
Holt, Holte, forest, gk. 1677, 1697. aa.
lv. 8. Holtez, Holtis, pi. gk. 1320.
aa. iv. 6, v. 5, lv. 9. gg. 234, 470. Holt
wodez, gk. 742. See Chalmers' Gloss,
to Lyndsay, in v.
Holydome, salvation ? j. 372. See Halt-
dam.
Hom, them, gk. 99, 819, 979, 984.
Homered, p. t. hammered, struck, gk.

2311.
Honde-selle, gift conferred at a particular

season, gk. 66. See Hanselle.
Hone, Houne, delay, gk. 1285. gg. 849.

Also used by Barbour.
Hope, pr.t. think, trust, gk. 140,352, 2301.

Hopes, thinkest, trustest, 395.
Hor, their, gk. 130, 1014, 1127, 1139.
Hore, hoary, gk. 743. See Hare.
Horlotez, vagabonds, gk. 244.
Hors, pi. horses, gg. 674.
Hose, pr. t. embrace, akc 151. Not in
Brockett, but inserted by Grose as a North
country word. It is evidently formed from
hake.
Ho so, whoso, aa. ii. 3, MS.D. ix.9, MS.D.
Hostel, inn, dwelling, gk. 805.
Hovand, tarrying, waiting, gg. 905.
Houed, p. t. tarried, gk. 785, 2168. See

Huvit.
Hovjes, pi. hoofs, gk. 459.
Houfe, p. t. heaved, gc. 356. Hovyne,

p.p. heaved, raised, 551.
Hojes, houghs, gk. 1357.
Hult, hilt, gk. 1594.
Hunt, huntsman, hunter, gk. 1422, 1701.

Huntes, pi. 1147, 1604, 1910. aa. v. 5,

MS.D.
Hurdys, hurdles, gg. 470.
Hurstes, woods, aa. v. 5, MS. D.
Huvit, p. t. tarried, gg. 840. Misprinted

by Pinkerton and Jamieson Hewit. See

Houed.
Huwe, Hwe, color, complexion, gk. 147,

234. aa. ix. 4, MS. D. Hwes, Hwez,

p/.GK.707, 867, 1738.
Huwes, hills, aa. v. 5, MS. D.
Hwen, pr. t. hew, cut, gk. 1346.

I.J.

I-armyd, p.p. armed, gc 74.
I-bonde, p.p. bound, gc. 91.
I-chargid, p.p. loaded, gc 567.
Iche, each, gk. 126, 1811.
I-cleppyde, p.p. named, gc 16.
I-cowert, p. p. covered, gc 357.
I-dyghte, I-dyjt, p. p. prepared, gc 504,

640. See Dijt.
I-fere, together, gc. 554. See Fere.
I-holde, p.p. held, accounted, gc 90.
Iisse-ikkles, icicles, gk. 732.
I-keuerid, p.p. covered, gc. 552.
Ilyche, (?) GK.44.
Ilk, Ilke, same, gk. 24, 1062, 1256, 1385.

aa. i. 10. gg. 1157. Ilk, Ilka, Ilkea,

each, aa. iii. 10. gg. 473,474.
Ilkane, each one, gg. 348, 1244.
Illuminat, p.p. enlightened, gg. 394.
In, Inn, castle, mansion, gg. 1161. gc.217.

c. 139.
Inclinand, Inclynand, bending, gg. 383,

387.
In hight, on high, aloud, Gr.K.423. See

On heghte.
In nogh. In noghe, Inoj, Inoje, In nowe,

Ynoghe, enough, gk. 77, 219, 404, 514,

1401,1948. AA.xxix. 12.
•H-nore, a mistake of the scribe for I-noje,

enough, aa. xxix. 11, MS.D. Jamieson,

however, inserts it as a legitimate form, and

finds an Armoric root for it ! ! !

GLOSSARY.

391

Intromettino, admission, gg. 1171.

In-wyth, within, gk. 1055. In Pinkerton's
text this word is printed erroneously Ru-
with, which is inserted by Jamieson in his
Dictionary, and the latter hazards on it,
as usual, one of his absurd conjectures as
to meaning.

I-pereschde, p. p. destroyed, lost, gc. 374.

t I-quere, every where, gk. 660. See Ay-
quere.

Iral, (?) aa. xlvi. 5. See Notes, p. 334. It
is misprinted Sral by Pinkerton, and ad-
mitted in this disguised form by Jamie-
son. Perhaps it is the same as orielle,
which we are told by Sir John Maunde-
vile, "is a ston well schynynge." Foiage,
p. 48, ed. 8vo., 1839.

Irke, incommoded, aa. vi. 12,

Irked, /). /. were angry ? strove ? gk. 1573.

Iscbe, to issue, gg. 253.

I-set, p.p. set, GC.84.

Ithandly, diligently, gg. 231, 308.

I-tolde, p. p. told, gc. 96.

fl-visfor I-wis, gg. 549.

I-WIS, I-WISE, I-WYIS, I-WYS, I-WYSSE,

Y-wys, truly, certainly, gk. 252, 264,
1035, 1065, 1226, 1230, 1276, etc. aa.
xiii. 3, xv. 12, xvii. 1, MS. D. xix. 13. GG.
177,288,341. GC. 17, 266, 658. J. 215,

309. I-WYSSE I WOT, GK.1487. I-WYSSE

I wexe, aa. xxiv.4. Manifestly the Saxon
adjective geuis, used adverbially. Several
writers, and among them I include myself,
(Gloss, to Witt, and the Werwolf,) have
erroneously explained this word / know,
considering it equivalent to the Germ, ich
weiss; but although satisfied about its
origin, I still have my doubts whether it
was not regarded as a pronoun and verb,
by the writers of the fifteenth century.

1-wryte, p.p. written, gc 18.

1-wrogjt, p.p. made, formed, gc 333.

Japez, jokes, jests, gk. 542, 1957.

Jappyst, pr. t. jokest, gc 201.

Jentyle, gentle, of noble birth or breeding,
used substantively, gk. 542.

Joyfnes, youth, GK. 86.

Joylez, ^. jewels? gk.542.

Jolile, Jolyly, gaily, gk. 42. AA.xxxix.8.

Journay, enterprise, gg. 789.

K. See also C.

Kachande, catching, reiningup,GK.1581.

Kay, left, gk. 422. A word probably in-
troduced by the Danes. See Molbech's
Dansk Dialect- Lexikon, in w. Kau, Kei,
and Outzen's Gloss, der Friesisclien Sprache,
in v. Kei.

Kayre, to journey, depart, gk. 1048, 1670.
Kayre, pr. t. go, return, aa. liii. 13.
Kayred, p. t. and p. p. turned, returned,
travelled, gk.43. Gr.K. 123.

Kanel, collar, neck, gk. 2298. See Canel-
bone.

Kautelle, guile, caution, aa. xviii. 2.

Kauelacioun, strife, gk. 2275.

Kajt, Kajten,^-. t. received, took, gk. 643,
1118.

Kele, to assuage, aa. iv. 4, xvi. 6.

Kell, Kelle, dress for a lady's head, caul,
aa. xxix. 6. Gr.K. 261.

Kempys, knights, tg. 6.

Kend, p.p. known, gg. 1211,1325.

Kende, p. t. taught, gk. 1489.

Kene, bold, brave, gk. 321. gg. 185.

Kenet, hound, gk. 1701. Kenettis, pi.
aa. iv. 4. Jamieson in his Supplement in-
serts this word from Sibbald, at the same
time professing his ignorance whence the
former had derived it, a tolerably con-
vincing proof how carelessly he had read
the poem of Sir Gawan and Sir Galaron,
as printed in Pinkerton.

Kenly, boldly, gk. 1048.

Kenne, pr. t. commend, gk. 2067.

Kennes, pr. t. teaches, gk. 1484.

Kepe, n. care, heed, gk. 546. aa. xxxviii.
2. J. 74.

Kepe, to heed, or meet in a hostile way,
gk. 307. Kepe, imp. take heed? 372.
Keppes, pr. t. catches, strikes, aa. xlviii.

392

GLOSSARY.

7, MS. D. Kepit, p. t. and]), p. received
honorably, gg. 178 ; guarded, 44.
Kerchofes, kerchiefs, coverings for the

head, gk. 954.
-VRere, to recover, cure, aa. xvi. 6. Ap-
parently a mistake for, or contraction of
keuere. In The Erie of Tolous, ap. Rit-
son, hi. 119, occurs dyskere for discover.
Mr. Guest misprints the word keen, and
explains it drive from .' Hist. E. R. ii. 292.

Kerre, rock, gk. 1431.

Rest, chance, blow ? gk. 2298 ; twist, knot,
2376 ; stratagem, 2413.

Rest, p. t. and/)./), raised, gk. 64 ; cast,
228, 1192, 1355 ; thought, formed a plan,
1855 ; set, appointed, 2242. Resten,
p. t.pl. cast, 1649.

Reuer, to arrive, accomplish, gk. 750, 804 j
gain, 1221, 1254; recover, 2298. Re-
uerez, pr. t. obtains, brings, 1539; de-
scends, 2221. Reuered,/). t. recovered,
1755. This participle occurs in aa. xlvii.
1, MS. D., and is misprinted by Pinkerton
kenered, which is repeated by Jamieson,
who both in his Dictionary and Supplement
wastes a great deal of absurd and useless
argument on it. The real reading is esta-
blished by couerde, i. e. recovered, of the
Lincoln MS.

Ryd, Rydde, Ryde, />./). known, renowned,
gk. 51, 263, 1520. aa. i.3, xi. 9.

Ryd, Rydde, p. p. directed, gk. 775 ;
shewed, manifested, 2340.

fRiDE, for Rith, country,AA. xii. 8, MS.D.
Falsely explained by Jamieson, shew, ap-
pearance.

Rin, Ryn, n. kind, gk. 890. gg. 517.
Rynnes, gen.c. gk. 1886.

Rynde, n. hneage, race, gk. 5 ; nature, dis-
position, reason, 321, 1348.

Rynde, adj. suitable, gk. 473.

Ryndely, suitably, gk. 135.

Rynrik, kingdom, gg. 407.

Ryrf, cut, blow, gk. 372.

Ryrk, church, gk.2196.

Rirnelde, p.p. embattled, aa. lii. 4.

Ryrtel, tunic, gown, gk. 1831.

Rith, Ryth, Rythe, country, land, terri-
tory, kingdom, gk. 460, 2120. aa.xu. 8,
xxviii. 9. gg. 192, 320, 1251, 1352.

Ryth, to shew, gg. 376, 669, 873, 1212,
1229. Rythit, p. t. 159, 488.

Rnaged, p.p. nailed, riveted, gk. 577.

Rnape, man, gk. 2136.

Rnarre, rock, cliff, gk. 1434. Rnarrez,
pi. 721, 2166. See the Owl and Nightin-
gale, 1. 999.

Rneland, kneeling, gg. 383.

Rnitten,/»\ t. cut? joined? gk. 1331.

Rnokled, p. p. with craggy projections,
rugged, gk. 2166.

Rnorned, p.p. rugged, gk. 2166.

Rnot, a hunting term, borrowed from and
used as the French itceud, gk. 1334; crag?
1431, 1434. Rnotez, pi. knobs, rivets,
577.

Royntyse, cunning, gk. 2447.

Rrysommede, /)./). anointed with chrism, or
sacred oil, at baptism, aa. xi. 8, xviii. 3.

Lach, to take, receive, accept, gk. 234, 292,
1502,1676. Lacchez,Laches,Lachez,
pr. t. gk. 595, 936, 1029. Lachen,/»\ t.pl.
1027,1131.

Lachet, clasp, tie, gk. 591.

fLADE, lady, gk. 1810.

Ladliche, hateful, odious, gg. 95, 160.

Laft, p. t. granted, delivered, gk. 369.

Laght, Laught, LA3T, p. t. and/)./), took,
caught, received, gk. 328, 433, 667, 1830,
2499. gg. 623, 764, 922, 1260; taken, re-
ceived, gk. 156,971, 2507. GG.454, 615;
captured, 1182.

Lagmon, (?) gk. 1729.

Layk, Laike, Lake, sport, game, gk. 1023,
1125, 1513 ; strife of battle, aa. xJii. 5.

GG. 832. LAYKEZ, /</. GK. 262.

Layke, to play, to sport, gk. 1111. Lay-
kez, pr. t. 1178. Layked, p. t. 1554,
1560.

GLOSSARY.

393

Laykvng, playing, gk.472.

Laine, concealment, falsehood, Gr.K.482.

Layne, to conceal, keep secret, gk. 18G3,

2124, 2128. aa. vii. 5. gg. 1031. Gr.K.

6. Layne, pr. t. and imp. gk. 1786. aa.

xvi. 9, MS. D.
Lair, teaching, instruction, gg. 364, 832.
Lait, Late, features, countenance, AA.xxvii.

6. gg. "46, 1271. Laites, Latis, /)/.

looks, gestures, aa. xxxviii. 1. gg.95, 160.

See Lote.
Layt, lightning? gk. 199.
Layt, to look, seek, gk. 411. Laytes.pc /.

gk. 3J5. Layte, subj. 449.
Laithles, unmannerly, gg. 157.
Lak, mischief, gg. 919.
Lance, Launce, to utter ? to ride forth ?

BE. 1175; to tell, 2124. Launces, pr. t.

rides forth, 1464. Lancen, pr. t. pi. fall

quickly, 526. Lanced,Lansit,Launced,

/). /. rode, 1561. gg. 901; uttered, threw

out, gk. 1766, 1212.
Langaberde, pi. Lombards, gk. 12.
Langes, pr. t. belongs, gg. 800.
Lans, lance, gg. 485. Compare 1. 615. In

the edit. 1508, and Pinkerton, it is printed

laus, and explained by the latter fires ;

Jamieson, more suo, repeats the word,

giving an absurd meaning and etymology.
Lante, p. I. lent, gave, gk. 2250.
Lap, p. t. leapt, gg. 614.
Lappe, lappet, or hem, gk. 936.
Lappez, pr. t. embraces, gk. 973. Lapped,

Lappit, p. t. and p.p. wrapped, folded,

217,575. gg.991.
Lappez,/)?. flaps? gk. 1350.
LARGE.extent, gg.241; bodilystature,j.350.
Larges, Largesse, liberality, gk. 2381;

cry of the minstrels at feasts, t. 47S-
Largesse, largeness, gk. 1627.
Lassen, to lessen, gk. 1800.
Lathe, n. injury, harm, gk. 2507.
Lathe, adj. hateful, AA.xxxiv. 3.
Lathed,/)./. (?) gk.2403. Perhaps a form

of Lajerf, laughed.
Laught, see Laght.

Launde, clear level space in a wood, plain,

lawn, GK. 765, 2146, 2154, 2174, 2333.
Lausen, to loose, gk. 1784. Lawsez,/)/-. t.

2376.
Laute, Lawte, faith, loyalty, gg.394, 1107,

1308. See Lewte.
Lawe, mount, hill, gk.765, 2171, 2175. aa.

iii. 5, MS. D. vii. 5. See Loughe.
Lawe, manner, gk. 790.
Lawe, adj. low, aa. iii. 6. MS. D. here reads

lo^e, which is misprinted lore by Pinkerton,

and explained by Jamieson, solitary, q.for-

lore!!
Lawit, p.p. unlearned, lay, gg. 1080. See

Lewd.
fLAWTiNGE, laughing? tg. 56.
L.A3ANDE, laughing, gk. 988, 1068, 1212.
Laje, to laugh, gk. 472. Lajes, Lajez,

pr.t. 316, 1479. Laje, Lajen, pr. t.pl.

464, 2514. Lajed, p. t. 69, 909, 1079.
Lajt, see Laght.
La3ter, laughter, gk. 1217.
Lajyng, laughing, gk. 1954.
Le, Lee, land, plain, gk. 849, 1893. gg. 312,

341. tg. 47.
+ Leane for Layne, to conceal, c. 199.
Leasing, Lesing, Lessynge, falsehood, gg.

338. GC. 442. C.20I.
Lechis, physicians, gg. 883.
Ledande, leading, gk. 1894. aa. xxvii. 6.
Lede, Leid, man, person, gk. 98, 540, 1063,

1195, 2095. aa. vii. 5, MS. D. xxxiv. 4,

xliv.7. gg. 70, 157, 262; people, folk, gk.

258; land, country, territory, 833, 1113.

gg. 172, 186, 653. gc. 9; speech, lan-
guage, aa. vii. 5. Ledez, LEDis,/)/.men,

gk. 38, 126,679, 1231. gg. 277, 369. See

Leude.
Leele, Lele, faithful, loyal, gk. 1516. go.

71. Gr.K. 361,490. See Lel.
Leere, Leir, to learn, gg. 364, 653. j. 418.

Leir, pr. t. teach, gg. 832.
Lef, dear, agreeable, gk. 909, 1111, 1924.

See Lece.
Legge, liege, gk. 346.
Legiance, allegiance, gg. 263, 442.

394

GLOSSARY.

Leid, to rule, govern, gg. 48.

Leif, to believe, give credence, gg. 1107,

1305. Leif, imp. 71. See Leue.
Leif, pr. t. live, gg. 1189- See Leue.
Leime, gleam, light, gg. 1254.
Lekame, body, GG. 1043. See Likame.
Leke, p. t. fastened, encircled, gk. 1830.

Su G. It/cka.
Lel, Lell, loyal, faithful, gk. 35, 1513.

gg. 1308. See Leele.
Lelely, Lelly, loyally, faithfully, gk. 449,

1863,2124. GG. 1031, 1183.
Lemand, Lemande, gleaming, shining,

GK.485, 1119-
Lem ane, Lemman, Lemmane, mistress, gk.

1781. AA.xlii. 3, xlviii. 8.
Leme, to shine, gleam, gc.424. Lemed,

Lemyt,/>./.gk. 591, 1137, 2010. gg.615.
Lende, Leynd, to dwell, tarry, continue,

gk. 1100. gg. 152. Lende, pr.t. gk.

1499. Lende, imp. aa. xxxii. 11. Lent,

p.t. and/). p. sate, was stationed, gk.1002;

occupied, 1319; dwelt, remained, 2440.

gg.70.
Lene, to grant, aa. xviii. 7, MS. D.
Leng, Lenge, to dwell, tarry, remain, gk.

411, 254, 1068. aa. xvii. 6, xxxii. 11,

MS. D. liii. 7. Lenges, Lengez, pr. t.

gk. 536,693. Lenged,/). M194, 1299,

1683.
Lentoun, Lent, gk. 502.
Leppis, pr. t.pl. leap, aa. li. 3.
Lerd, p.p. learned, the clergy, gg. 1080.
Lere, countenance, gk. 318,418. gg. 1253.

See Lyre.
Lere, to teach? gk. 1109. See Leere.
Lese, falsehood, gc. 7, 265.
Lese, to lose, gk. 2142. aa. xxii. 12, xxxiv.

3, MS. D.
Lestand, lasting, gg. 1227.
Let, Lett, Lette, hindrance, gk. 2142.

aa. iii. 10. gc. 597, 615; delay, gg. 755.
Let, Lette,/).?. caused, gk. 1084; feigned,

acted, 1201, 2257. Let not, was not

able, 1733.
Lete, to look, gk. 1206.

Lethe, to depress, moderate, gk. 2438.

Lether, skin, gk. 1360.

Lette, to stop, tarry,GK.2303. Lettez be,
imp. leave off, 1840. Letted, p. t. hin-
dered, 1672.

Lettynge, hindrance, aa. li. 10.

Lettrure, science, gk. 1513.

Leude, Lude, man, knight, gk. 133, 232,
449, 675, 851, 908 ; territory, land, 1124.
Leudes, gen. c. man's, 2499. Leudez,
pi. men, 849, 1023, 1413. See Lede.

Leudlez, companionless, gk. 693.

Leugh, p. t. laughed, gg. 1065.

Leuand, Leueande, living, aa. xxxiv. 4.
gg. 70, 430. Used substantively, gg. 954.

Leue, pr. t. live, gk. 1035. See Leif.

Leue, to believe, gk. 2421. Leue, pr. t.
1784,2128. See Leif.

Leue, dear, beloved, gk. 1133, 2054. aa.
xlix., MS. D. See Lef.

Leued, Leuit, />./>. left, aa. xxii. 2, MS. D.
xxii. 6. gg. 661.

Leuer, rather, liefer, gk. 1251. tg. 95 ;
dearer, gk. 1782. Leuest, dearest, most
precious, gk.49, 1802.

Levin, scorn, gg. 1043.

Lewd,Lewed,/j./). ignorant, unlearned, gk.
1528. TG. 30.

Lewte, loyalty, faith, gk. 2366, 2381. See
Laute.

LE3, p. t. lay, gk. 2006.

Lejten, p. t. took, gk. 1410. See Laght.

Lyand, lying, c. 229, 255.

Lichtit,/). t. alighted, gg. 677. SeeLiGHTE.

Lyere, Lyre, complexion, countenance, gk.
943,2228. GG.614, 1003, 1145. AA.xiii.
6 ; skin, flesh, gk. 2050. In aa. xiii. 6,
MS. D. reads lere, which Pinkerton mis-
prints lever, and the word, thus disguised,
is duly introduced into Jamieson's Dic-
tionary.

Liflod, livelihood, gk. 133.

Lyfte, sky, heaven, gk, 1256.

Lygez, pr. t. lies, gk. 1179.

Lighte, Lyghte, Lyjt, to descend, alight,
gk. 1175, 1373, 2220. aa. xvii. 6. xxi. 8.

GLOSSARY.

395

Lijtez, Lyjtez, pr. t. gk. 1906, 2176.
Lyghte, imp. a a. xxxii. 11. Light,

LlGIITE, LiGHTIT, LYGHTE, LyjT, }). t.

gk.822. AA.iii. 6, vi. 12, xliv. 7. GG.623,

755. tg.78,288. Lightit, Lijt, Lyghte,

Ly;t, p.p. gk. 1924. aa. vi. 5, MS. D.

xiii. 8. GG. 130.
tLiGHTH, member, limb, Gr.K. 57. See

Lythe.
Likame, body, gg. 294.
Likaxd, agreeable, pleasant, gg. 241, 258,

573.
Lyke, body, personal stature ? gg. 858.
Liking, joy, pleasure, gg. 267, 1065.
Lykker-wys, delightful, delicious, gk. 968.
Lymp, to happen, befall, gk.1109. Lympeu,

Lympede, p. t. 907. AA.xlviii.4.
Lynd, Lynde, wood, tree, Ume-tree, gk.

526, 2176. GG. 289. GC. 114. J. 406.

Lyxde-wodes, pi. GK. 1178.
Lyndes, loins, gk. 139.
Lyne, linen ; whence for female apparel in

general, gk. 1814.
Ling, Lyng, line, file, gg. 766, 858, 1261.
Lippin, to have confidence, gg.832.
Lis, to assuage, gg. 173.
List, pleasure? gk. 1719.
Lyste, pr. 1. pleases, gk. 2133. Lyst, p. t.

desired, willed, 941, 1784, 2049.
Lystennyth, imp. listen ye, gc. 1.
LiSTEs,listsinclosedforcombat,AA.xxxviii.9.
Lystily, Lystyly, promptly.' gk. 1190,

1334.
Lyt, Lyte, little, gk. 701, 1776. gg. 901 ;

short while ? gk. 2303.
Ly'th, Lythen, to listen, gk. 1719. gg.

875. Lythis, imp. listen ye, 1163.
Lythe, member, limb, gc. 190.
Lythes, territories, aa. liii. 2.
t Litys, pi. delights, aa. xvii. 5.
Lyueray, bounty, allowance, t. 117,476.
Ly;e, to lie, recline, gk. 1096, 1994.
Lyjt, lightly, gk. 87.
Ly;th, light, not heavy, gk. 608.
Lyjtly, easily, gk. 1299.
Lode, guidance, gk. 969; behaviour? 1284.

3 E

fLoDLY, for Loudly? gk. 1634.

Lodly, Lodlye, uiicourteously, gk. 1772 ;

loathly, c. 182. akc 119, 158.
Lofden, p. t. loved, gk. 21.
Lofit, p. t. praised, gg. 1145.
Loft, Lofte, chamber, gk. 1096, 1676.
Lois, fame, gg. 1078. See Los.
Loissit, p.t. lost, gg.677, 755, 874 j p.p.

destroyed, 277.
Loke, tub}, guard, gc 214.
Loken, p.p. secured, inclosed, fastened, gk.

35,765,2487.
Lome, tool, axe, gk. 2309.
Lonched, perhaps we should read Louched,

bending down? aa. xiii. 6, MS. D.
LoNGEZ,;)r.<. belongs, gk. 2381. Longed,

p. t. belonged, appertained, 1524, 2515.

J. 9.
Longynge, regret, trouble, gk. 540.
Lopen, p. t. andp.p. leapt, gk. 1413. aa.

li. 3, MS. D.
Lore, learning, skill, gk. 665.
Lorere, Lorrere, laurel-tree, aa. iii. 6,

vi. 5.

LORNE, p.p. lost, AA. XXXvii. 2.

t Lorre for Lorrere, laurel-tree, aa. iii. 6,
MS. D. Pinkerton misprints it lone, and
Jamieson, as usual, places the word, thus
misrepresented, in his Dictionary, with an
Icelandic derivation !

Lortschyp, lordship, gk. 849.

Los, Lose, renown, fame, gk. 258, 1528.
aa. xxxvi. 7-

fLossE, to lose, aa. xxxiv. 3, MS. D. See
Lese.

Lote, mirth? jest? gk. 119, 1623, 1917.
Lotez,^.988, 1086,1116,1399,1954. It
is connected with the Fr.losterie, badinage.

Lote, (?) gk. 2211.

Lote, features, aspect, gesture, gk. 639.
aa. xxvii. 6, MS. D. See also MS. Cott.
Nero A. x. f. 42.

Lothe, loath, unwilling, gk. 127, 1578.

Loufesom, lovely, gc. 450. See Lufsome.

Loughe, hill, aa. vii. 5. See La we.

Loukes, Lowkez, pr. t. locks, gk. 628,

396

GLOSSARY.

2007- Louked, p. t. was fastened, looped,

217.
Loupe, loop-hole in a castle, gk. 792.
Lout, blow, to. 142.
Lout, Loute, Lowte, to bow down, obey,

bend to, gk. 248. aa. xiv. 7- gg. 991,

1276. Gr.K. 465. tg. 314. Loutes,

Loutez, pr. t. descends, gk. 833, 933 ;

stoops, bends, 1306, 1504. Loutit, p. t.

bent, gg. 1021.
tLouuE, for Louie? pr. t. praise, gk. 1251.
Louelych, adv. lovingly, gk. 1410. See

Lufly.
Louelokeb, lovelier, gk. 973. Louelok-

kest, loveliest, gk. 52.
Louy, Louies, Lou yes, pr. t. love, loves,

gk. 1795, 2099, 2468. Louied,/). Moved,

87, 702.
Louit, p. t. praised, gg. 581, 1028.
Lowande, shining, gk. 236 ; conspicuous,

679, 868.
Lowd or still, on all occasions, gi'.k. 342 ;

a phrase of constant occurrence in the ro-
mance writers.
Lowe, flame, aa. vii. 5.
Lowe, (?) gk. 1399.
Lowe, Loje, p. t. laughed, gk. 2389. aa.

xli. 3.
tLowELYURE, lovelier, gc.369.
Loj, Loje, low, gk. 302, 1040, 1170. aa.

xxxvii. 9.
Lojly, lowly, humbly, gk. 851, I960.
Lude, see Leude.
Luf, love, pleasure, gk. 1086, 1284,

1524.
Luf-lajyxg, amorous play, gk. 1776.
Lufly, Luflych, adj. lovely, fair, comely,

agreeable, amiable, gk. 38, 575, 792, 868,

981, 1469, 1480, 1657, 1757. gg. 667,

755. Luflyis, pi. used substantively,

men or knights being understood, 1003.
Lufly, Luflych, acfc.courteously, lovingly,

becomingly, GK. 254, 595, 1206, 1306,

1583. gg. 991.
Luflyly, courteously, lovingly, gk. 369,

2176, 2514.

Lufsome, Lufsum, lovely, gk. 1814. aa.

xxvii. 6. gg. 241, 746, 1253, 1271.
Lukes, imp. look ye, aa. xxxvi. 7-
Lur, loss, misfortune, gk.355, 1284, 1682.
Luschit,/)./. encountered violently? gg. 1003.

Omitted by Pinkerton and Jamieson.
Lust, gluttony, gg. 82.
Lusty, powerful, gg. 172, 258.
Lut, Lutte, p. t. stooped, bowed down, gk.

418, 2236, 2255. See Lout.

M.

Mach, to encounter, meet in combat, gk.

282. gg. 753. Mached, Machit, p. p.

matched in fight, arranged, aa. xxxiv. 8,

xlvi. 11. gg. 1159.
\M.\cs, pr.t. makes, gk. 1885. SeeMAisE.
Madde, subj. should rage with love, gk.

2414.
Ma fay! mafoi! gk. 1495.
Magry, Magreys, in spite of opposition,

gg. 771. gc. 164. See Mawgref.
May, Maye, maiden, gk. 1795. gg. 97.

gc. 71,491.
Mayle, Mailye, coat of mail, aa. xlviii. 6.

gg.965. Mailes, Mailyeis, Maylesjj/.

coats of mail, rings of mail, aa. xxx. 5,

xxxix. 11, xl. 10, xlvii. 6. GG.851, 1013.
Maill, company, gg. 215. See Melle.
Mayn, great, powerful, strong, gk. 94, 187,

336,497.
Mayn, Mayne, strength, aa. xxxviii. 10. j.

49.
Mayne, moan, sorrow, gg. 796.
Mayntemes, pr. t. maintains, gk. 2053.
Maise, Mas, Mase, pr. t. makes, gk. 106.

aa. xxi. 12. GG. 796.
Maistri, Mastery, strife, conflict, gg.96.

tg. 65.
Mak.otd, making, gg. 216.
Make for Maked, p. t. made, gc 518.
Makeles, Makles, matchless, aa. xxvii.

10, MS.D. xlviii. 10,1.6.
Males, Malez, bags, trunks, gk. 1129,

1809.

GLOSSARY.

397

Malt, p. t. dissolved, gk. 2080.
Man hede, manhood, doughty deeds, gg. Go.
Mankit, ;). t. maimed, impaired, gg. 1013.
Maxredexe, Maxrent, homage, aa. 1. 5.

gg. 1218.
Mansed, p. t. menaced, gk. 2345.
Marre, to destroy, gk. 2262. Marrit,

;)./). GG. 96, 720, 965.
Marrede, p. t. moaned ? aa. ix. 6.
Masere, maple, gc. 434.
Mat, Mate, p.p. discouraged, wearied, gk.

336, 1568.
Matexs, Matynez, Matynxes, morning

prayers, gk. 756, 2188. aa. xvi. 3, xviii. 8.
MAW-GREF,inspiteof,GK.1565. See Mag ry.
Majtyly, mightily, forcibly, gk.2262, 2290.
Me, used absolutely, as the Fr. on, gk. 1214.

Often, as an expletive, 1905, 1932, 2014,

2144.
Meble, goods, aa.xvi. 4. See Mobil.
Medilerthe, Medlert, the earth, aa. 1.

6. See Middlearth.
Meex, to make mention of, remember, aa.

vi.9. Mexe,^»\ r.vi.8. See Mene, Mix,

Myxxe.
Mekil, Mekle, much, great, aa. xliii. 6.

gg. 303, 796.
Mel, Mele, Melle, to speak, talk, gk.

2295, 2503. gg.299. Mell, Melez,

Melis, pr. t. gk. 543, 974, 2336. aa.

xxvi.8. gg. 395. gt.k. 37. Mel, imp.

GG.354. Meled.jj.t.gk. 447, 1280,2373.
Mele, Mell, to join in battle, fight, gg.

69, 543. Mellit,|). t. 572, 1012, 1119.
Meli.e, Melle, Melly, conflict, battle,

GK. 342,644, 1451. GG. 696,851, 1148.
Melle, company, In melle, together, aa.

xxv. 8 .
Memered, p. t. murmured, aa. ix. 9. The

word is still preserved in the North. See

Brockett, v. Hammer. Jamieson explains

it, erroneously, to recollect oneself.
Mene, to signify, gk. 232 ; devise, 985 ;

make attempt on, 1157; commemorate?

aa. xviii. 8, 9 ; intend, gg. 96. Mene,

imp. commemorate ? aa.xxv. 8. In the

third and fifth of these instances, MS. D.
reads Mi/nge, Memle, and Menye. See
Meex, Mix, Myxne.

fMEXEwiTH, (?) aa. xxvii. 3, MS. D. Pin-
kerton and Jamieson neglect the contrac-
tion, and print meunth, which the latter
interprets, moveth, changeth!

Menge, Myxge, aa. xviii. 8, MS.D. xxv. 8,
MS. D. Jamieson explains it, to soothe;
but from xviii. 9, it would seem to be only
another form of Mend, or Mene, to re-
member.

Menged, p.p. mixed, gk. 1720.

Mexsk, Menske, honor, worship, gk. 834,
914, 2052. aa. xviii. 9. Menskes, pi.
GK. 2410.

Mexsk, adj. worshipful (used ironically),
gk.964.

Mexsk, to honor, treat with respect, gg.
446. Mensked, Menskit, p.p. honor-
ably decked, gk. 153 ; honored, gg. 215.

Mexskful, honorable, gk. 555,1268, 1809;
goodly, noble, gg. 408,481.

Mexskly, honorably, gk. 1312, 1983.

Meny, Meyny, retinue, household, com-
pany, GK. 101, 1372, 1625, 1729, 2468.

Menyng, knowledge, remembrance, gk.
924; commemoration? aa. xix. 2, lv. 4, 6.
See Mynnynge.

Mer, to be in confusion, gg. 1013. Used
also in Wallace.

Mere, adj. simple, pure, good, gk. 153, 878,
924, 1495.

Mere, n. appointed place of meeting, gk.
1061. Perhaps we should readMERK, q. v.

Merely, an instrument of music, gc 599.

Mere, appointed term or place, gk. 1073.
gg. 1237.

Merke, dark, used substantively for night,
tg. 69.

Merkit, p. t. rode, gg. 176.

Mes, mess, meal, gk. 999-

Mesoure, moderation, gg. 355.

Messe-quyle, the time of celebrating mass,
gk. 1097-

Metely, measurely, fitly, gk. 1004, 1414.

398

GLOSSARY.

Methles, uncourteous, gk. 2106.
Meued, p. t. moved, gk. 90.
Me;el-mas, Michaelmas, gk. 532.
Middlearth, Myddelerde, the earth,

gk. 2100. tg.40. See Medilerthe.
Myghtyis, pi. used substantively, men being

understood, gg. 1012.
Min, Myn, to mention or remember, c. 140,

162. See Mene, Mynne.
Myn, Mynne, less, gk. 1881. gg. 1159.
Mynge, see Menge.
Mynged, p.t. assembled? gk. 1422.
Mynne, to think, remember, devise, gk. 14 1 ,
1800, 1992. Mynez, Mynne, pr. t. 995,
1681, 1769. Mynned, p. t. 982. See
Mene, Min.
Mynnyng, commemoration! aa. xix. 2,

MS. D. See Menyng.
Mynt, aim, blow, gk. 3345. Myntes, pi.

2352.
Mynt, p.t. attempted ? gg. 771-
Myntest, Myntez, pr. t. didst aim or strike,

aims, strikes, gk. 2274, 2290.
Myrke, obscure, AA.vi. 11.
Mys, Mysse, fault, offence, aa. xv. ll.xvi.
3. gg.97, 291. j. 196. Mysses,pJ. gk.
2391-
Mys-boden, p.p. offered wrong, gk. 2339-
Misy, quagmire, gk. 749. Still used in the

North.
Myster, necessity, AA.xviii. 9.
Myst-hakel, cloak of mist, gk.2081.
Myte, smallest piece of money, gg. 1069-
Myth, to shew, gg. 871.
Myjtez, pi. might, power, gk. 282.
Mo, more, gk. 23, 730, 770. aa. xxv. 2.
Mobil, property, goods, gg. 807. Mo-

bylles, pi. AA.xvi.4. See Meble.
Moche, great, gc. 253. See Much.
Mode, mind, gk. 1475.
Moyse, imp. muse, reflect, aa. xiii. 11.
Moyssed,;). t. looked fixedly, as out of the
senses, ix. 6.

MOLAYNES, (?) GK. 169.

Molatt, mullet in heraldry, c. 57.
Mold, Molde, Mould, earth, ground, gk.

137,914,964. AA.xvi.4. gg. 350. Gr.K.

283. c.435. akc. 10.
Molde, form ? gc. 570.
Mon, used as the Germ, mart, and Fr. on,

for one, a person, gk. 1209, 1484.
Mon, must, gk. 1811.
Mone, complaint, gc. 123.
Monture, Mounture, saddle-horse, gk.

1691. AA.xliii.9.
More, greater, bigger, gk. 649, 2100.

MOROUN, MORROWNE, mOlTOW, GK. 1208.

GC.496.
Mot, Mote, may, gk. 342, 387, 2053. gc.

153, 205. tg. 171- c. 113; must, gk.

1965, 2510. aa. xxv. 3, MS. D. ; might,

aa. vi. 9.
Mote, assemblage, meeting, gk. 635, 910.
Mote, castle ? gk. 764, 2052.
Mote, atom, gk. 2009.
Mote, Motez, pi. notes or measures of a

bugle, gk. 1141; 1364.
Mowe, may, gk. 1397.
Mojt, Mojten, might, gk. 84, 1871, 1953.
Mojth, mouth, gc 253.
Much, great, loud, gk. 182, 2336.
Much-quat, many matters, gk. 1280.
Muckel, stature, size, gk. 142.
Muged, p. t. stirred, hovered, gk. 2080.
Mulne, mill, gk. 2203.
Munt, blow, gk. 2350. See Mynt.
Munt, p. t. feigned, gk. 2262.
Muryly, merrily, in joke, gk. 2336, 2345.
Murnand, mourning, gg. 1128.
Mused, p. t. (?) gk. 2424.
Mute, pack of hounds, gk. 1451, 1720;

meeting, 1915.
Muthe, mouth, gk. 447, 1428.
Mi land, moving, gg. 1166.
Mwe, to move, gk. 1565.

Na, than, gg. 1228.

Nade, had not, gk. 724, 763.

Naf, have not, gk. 1066.

GLOSSARY.

399

Nay, p. t. denied, refused, gk. 1836.
Naylet, p.p. nailed, gk. 599.
Nayted, p.p. (?) GK.65.
Nakerys, Nakryn, pi. drums, gk. 118,

1016. See Tyrwhitt's note on Chaucer,

/. 2513.
Nar, are not, gk. 2092.
Naunt, thy ituunl, thine aunt, gk.2467. See

Glossary to William and the H'ertvolf,

under letter N.
Nauther, Nawther, neither, gk. 203,

430, 1095.
Naxty, filthy, aa. xv. 3, MS. D.
Najt, night, gk. 1407.
Nede, Nedes, Nedez, necessarily, of ne-
cessity, GK. 1287, 1771, 1965, 2510.
Nedfulle, in necessity, aa. xv. 3.
Negh, Neghe, to approach, gk. 1054 ; to

touch, 1836. See Neje.
Neked, little or nothing, gk. 1062,

1805.
Neme,/»\ Make, gk.1347. Nemmyt,^).;).

taken, selected, gg. 664. See Nyme.
Nerre, nearer, gk. 237, 556, 1306.
Neuen, Xeuin, to name, gk. 58. gg. 506,

664, 823, 1039- Neuenes, pr. t. gk. 10.

Neuened, ;>. 1. and p. p. 65,541.
Newit, p.p. renovated, gg. 1071.
Newthir, neither, gg. 1120.
Nej, Neje, Niej, nigh, gk. 929, 1771,

1922.
Neje, to approach, gk. 1575. Nejes,j»\ t.

1998. Nejed, p. t. gk. 132, 697, 929.
+Nycht, to approach, gg. 240.
Nye, Nyje, difficult)-, trouble, harm, gk.

58, 2002, 2141. The same word is twice

used in the plural, MS. Cott. Nero A. x.

ff. 81, 84.
Nye, to harm, assault, gk. 1575.
Nif, unless, gk. 1/69-
Nigromance, necromancy, c. 405.

NlKKED NAVE, GK. 2471. NYKKED WITH

nay, 706. Nicked with nay, Gr.K.
501. Nykis with nay, gg. 115, 332.
A phrase expressive of denial, common to
alliterative poems. See Gloss, to Wil-

liam and the Werwolf, and the Towneley
Mysteries, for many examples.
Nyme, to take, gk. 993, 2141.
N'iht, n. cut, hurt, gk. 2498.
Nys, nice, strange, gk. 323.
Nysen,p-. t. (?) gk. 1266.
Nyte, to deny, gg. 899.
Nobelay, Nobillay, nobleness, gk. 91.

gg. 899, 1071.
No bot, except, gk. 2182.
fNoGHE, nigh, gk.697.
Noke, nook, corner, gk.660.
Nolde, would not, gk. 1054, 1825.
Nome, «. name, gk. 10, 408, 937.
Nome, p. t. took, gk. 809, 1407. Nomen,

p. p. taken, 91. See Nyme.
Nonez, Nons, nonce, gk. 844. The deri-
vations of this phrase suggested by Ju-
nius, Tyrwhitt, Thomson, Jamieson, and
myself (Gloss. Will, and Werw.) are cer-
tainly erroneous, and I have now not the
least doubt that the original form was the
Saxon for than anes ; a conclusion I had
formed previous to my noticing the same
opinion' in a note of Price upon Warton,
vol. ii. p. 496.
Norxe, Nurne, to proffer? gk. 1661,
1669,1823. Norne, pr.t. allege ? 2443.
Nurned, p. t. proffered ? 1771. The use
of this verb seems to be almost peculiar
to the author of the poems in MS. Nero
A. x. In another passage, I find it thus :
An other nayed also, & nurned this cause,
" I haf ;erned & 3at jokke) of oxen,
& for my hyjes hem bojt, to bowe haf I mester ;
To se hem pulle in the plow aproche me by-

houej." — f. 576.
Note, occasion, business, use, gk. 358, 599.
AA.xxix. 11. gg. 410, 550, 1116. Notis,
pi. 501, 506.
Note, throat-knot? (Fr. nauid) gk. 420.
Note, voice ? gg. 823.
Note, to view? gg. 240.
Note, noted? gk. 2092.
Noumbles, parts of the inwards of the deer,
gk. 1347. See Notes, p. 322 ; and

400

GLOSSARY.

A Jewell for Gentrie, 4to, 1614. sign.
f. e.
Noumerit, p. p. numbered, gg. 227.

NoUTHE, NOWTHE, DOW, GK. 1251, 1934,

2466; not, 1784.
Nouther, neither, gk.659.
Nowel, Noel, Christmas, gk.65.
Noy, annoyance, gg. 1044.
Noy, imp. annoy, trouble, gg. 823.
Nojt, nought, gk. 680, 694, 961.

NuRNE, NuRNED, See NoRNE.

Nwe, new, anew, gk. 60, 636, 1668.

Nwez, news, tidings, gk. 1407.

Nw-jer, Nwe-jer, new-year, gk. 60, 105,

284. Nwjeres, Nwejerez, gen. c. 454,

1054, 1669.

O.

O, of, gk. 615. O newe, anew, gk. 65.
Obeyand, obedient, gg. 1217.
Obeise, to obey, gg. 1209, 1326.
Obeising, obedience, homage, gg. 1322.
Oblissing, submission, gg. 272. Perhaps

a mistake for the last word.
Of, from, gk. 183, 519, 1413 ; off, 773,

1332, 1607. tg. 287.
Of-kest, p. t. cast off, gk. 1147.
Of-straye, astray, j. 207. See On-stray.
Oghe, p. t. ought, gk. 1526.
Olde, age, gk. 1440.
On, one, gk. 30, 206, 864, 952 ; in, 867,

969.
On-breid, extensive, gg. 23; abroad,

around, 952.
On-chasyng, a-chasing, a-hunting, gk.

1143.
On-coolde, (?) gk. 2474.
On-dreigh, On-drejt, On-dryje, One-

dreghe, back, at a distance, gk. 1031.

aa.xI. 6, xliv. 3. gg. 110.
One, alone, unaccompanied ; htm one,

alone, gk. 904 ; bot otjre one, only

ourselves, 1230 ; let the gome one, let

the man alone, 2118 ; we ar oure one,

we are by ourselves, 2245. See Al one.

One-bak, aback, aa. xl. 8. See Ane-bak.
One-herande, in the hearing of, aa.

xxxii. 1.
One3, once, gk. 1090. See Stevenson's Add.

to Boucher, v. Anes.
On-ferum, afar, gk. 1575.
On fyrst, vpon fyrst, at first, gk. 301,

491, 1477.
On-fortone, misfortune, gg. 1225.
On heghte. On height, One hie, On

highte.On hijt. On hyghe, On hyght.

On HY3T, Vpon hyjt, in height, gk.421 ;

on high, aloft, above, 421. aa.xxxv. 6,xli.

3, xlviii. 1, 1. 7. c. 470 ; aloud, aa. xxvii.

8, xxxii. 1, MS. D. xxxii. 10, li. 1. j. 269,

414, 416.
On-huntyng, a-hunting, gk. 1102.
On lenthe, afar, gk. 232, 1231.
On-life, On-lyue, Vpon lyue, alive, in

life, gk. 385, 1717, 1786. gg. 404.
On-loft, On-lofte, Vpon lofte, aloft,

above, gk. 788, 2261. gg. 70, 485, 614,

991 ; aloud, aa. xlviii. 8, MS. D.
On-loghe, below, down, gk. 1373.
On-lowde, aloud, aa. xlii. 3.
On nyjtes, at night, in the night, gk . 47, 693 .
On-slante, aslant, aa. xlviii. 6.
On (vp)-slepe, asleep, gk. 244.
On-steir, astir, gg. 830.
On- stray, One-straye, astray, aside, gk.

1716. AA. xl. 4, xli. 12. GG. 19, 910, 992;

at intervals, apart, aa. xxxi. 2.
Onsware, to answer, gk. 275. Onswarez,

pr. t. 386.
Oonly, alone, aa. viii. 7, MS. D.
Or, than, gk. 1543.
Or, Ore, before, gg. 276. gc. 137.
Ore, mercy, j. 106.
Oritore, oratory, gk. 2190.
O-ryjt, aright, GK.40.
Orpedly, boldly, gk. 2232.
Ostel, mansion, gk. 253. See Hostel.
Other, or, gk. 96, 702, 1246 ; either, 2216.
Ouches, ornaments, J. 327.
Oulk, week, gg. 1343. Used also by Bel-

lenden.

GLOSSARY.

401

Our, over, gg. 3, 19,24.

Ourcum, to overcome, gg.348.

Ourgilt, p.p. overgilt, gg. 158.

Ourtak, to overtake, gg. 1240.

Oute, throughout, wholly, gk. 1511,

Outrage, to fight, j. 441.

Outray, Owttraye, to injure, destroy, aa.
xxiv. 12. The first form is printed by
Pinkerton, Jamieson, and Sibbald, Ox-
tray, and on their authority I inadver-
tently admitted it, but I am now convinced
it should be Outray. See Jamieson's
Supplement, in v.

Outtrage, surprising, gk. 29.

Ouergoxe, to conquer, j. 396.

Ouer-thwert, across, gk. 1438.

Over-walt, p.p. overcome, gk. 314.

Ouer-jede, p. t. passed over, gk. 500.

0;t, n. ought, gk. 300, 1815.

0;t, adj. bold, gk.2215.

P.

Pade, toad, aa. ix. 10.

+ Pay, a misprint for gay, gg. 310, as ap-
pears from I. 233. Jamieson however

supposes it to mean region, from the Fr.

pais.
Pay, Paye, pleasure, aa. ii. 6, xxxi. 6. Gr.K.

504. tg. 164. akc. 126.
Payaxd, paying, gg. 143.
Payez, pr. t. pleases, gk. 1379-
Pailyeoux, Pailyeouxe, pavilion, gg. 312,

880.
Payne, to be at pains, endeavour, gk.

1042.
Pair, Payre, to injure, impair, gk. 1734.

gg. 1093. Paib.jw.*. fail, 1085. Payred,

p. t. failed, gk. 650, 1456.
Paisaxd, heavy, gg.463.
Payttrure, defence for the neck of a horse,

gk. 168,601.
Pale, Pall, Palle, Paulle, rich or fine

cloth, aa. ii. 6, vi. 1, xxviii. 2, xxxiv. 12.

gg. 3, 63, 235, 313. Gr.K. 1 12, 324. tg.

81. c. 206.

Palwerk, fine cloth, aa. ii. 6, MS. D.

Jamieson interprets it spangled work.
Pane, cloth, gk. 154. aa. xxviii. 2. gg.

1127- Panez, pi. gk. 855.
Papiayez, parrots, gk.611.
Papure, paper, gk.802.
Parage, lineage, gg. 284.
Paramour, n. gallant ? gg. 654.
Paramours, courtship, c. 220.
Parauxter, peradventure, gk. 2343.
Pardye, by God! verily, j. 489.
Pared, p.p. cut, gk. 802.
Partexyxg, possessing, consisting of, gg.

1104.
Partyce, covenant? gg. 1306.
Pase, to poise, gg. 463 ; pass, 708.
Passande, passing, gk. 1014.
Patrounes, sovereigns, gk. 6.
Paumez, antlers, gk. 1155.
Pauxce, coat of mail, gk. 2017- Jamieson's

erroneous interpretation of covering for

the knee is obvious, in v. Pans.
Pelicocus, pi. (?) aa. xxxi. 6. Omitted in

Jamieson. See Douce 's remarks on this

word in Illustr. of Shakspere, vol. ii. p.

160.
Pellokis, bullets, gg. 463.
Peloure, Pelure, Pillour, costly fur,

gk. 154. aa. ii. 6. gg. 313. Pelures,

pi. gk. 2029.
Pexcelle, banner, AA.xxxi. 2.
Pexdauxtes, Pexdauxtez, the dropping

ornaments of horse-trappings or a girdle,

GK. 168, 2038, 2431.
Pexyes, pence, money, gk. 79.
Pentaxgel, Pextaungel, figure of five

points, gk. 620, 636, 664. See Notes,

p. 318.
Pexted,^). t. pertained, gk.204.
Perxyxg, picking and dressing, a term ap-
plied to birds, gk. 611.
Perre, Perrye, jewelry, aa. ii. 6, xxix. 5,

9, MS. D.
Pertly, openly, promptly, gk. 544, 1941.

gg. 927. gc 420.
Pes, peace, gk. 266.

402

GLOSSARY.

Pesane, Pesayne, Pysan, gorget of mail
or plate, attached to the helmet, gk. 204.
aa. xlv. 11. gg. 927. So named from
Pisa, where these gorgets were probably
first fabricated. In an inventory, cited by
Du Cange, of the year 1316, is, " Item 3
coloretes Pizaines de jazeran d'acier."

Pese, measure, weight, gk. 2364.

Peter! an oath, used as Mary! gk. 813.
It was left unexplained in the Glossary to
Will, and the Werwolf. Other instances
of its use may be found in the Towneley
Mysteries, p. 29. Rauf Coikear, sign. B.
ii. ; Ritson's Metr. Rom. iii. 313, where
the editor corrects it, erroneously, porter;
Romance of Morte Arthure, MS. Line. ff.
81b. 83b. ; and Romance of Syr Perecy-
valle, ib. f. I66b.

Piched, Pyched, p. p. fastened, gk. 576 ;
situated, 768.

PlCHT, PlGHT, PlGHTE, Pl?T, PyGHT,

Pyghte, Pyjt, p. p. pitched, fixed, gk.

1456,1734. AA.xxxiv. 13, xxxv. l.xxxvii.

1. gg. 313. J. 265. Gr.K. 28 ; arrayed,

aa. xxviii. 2, MS. D. but the Line. MS.

reads dyghte.
Piked, Pyked, p.p. choice? gk. 769;

picked out, burnished, 2017.
Pillour, see Pkloure.
Pine, Pyne, trouble, grief, pain, torment,

gk. 123,747, 1812, 1985.
Pyne, to take pains, gk. 1538. Pyned,

p. t. 1009.
Pyned, p.p. (?), gk. 769- Perhaps a mis-
take for pynacled.
Pysan, see Pesane.
Pith, Pyth, marrow, strength, power, gk.

1456. gg. 783, 927, 1290.
Pitt, p. p. put, assigned, tg. 32.
Platez, pi. steel armour for the body, gk.

2017-
Pleasance, pleasure, gk. 1247 ; (kerchyf

of) j. 347. See Notes, p. 351.
Plight, Plyjt, hostility, danger, gk. 266.

gg. 1104, 1305; offence? gk. 2393.
Plytes, pi. 733.

Plonkete, a white stuff, aa. xxix. 3. See

Blunket.
Poynt, condition, gk. 2049-
Poynte, to declare, write, gk. 1009.
Polaynes, knee-pieces in a suit of armour,

gk.576. See Notes, p. 315.
Pold, p.p. pulled, gc. 180.
Polemus, pi. (?) aa. xxxi. 6. Omitted by
Pinkerton and Jamieson. Perhaps we
should read Poleinus, knee-pieces.
Policed, Polysed, Polyst,p./>. polished,
gk. 576, 2038 ; made clean, absolved,
2393.
Pomell, crest? J. 335.
Pouer, poor, gk. 1538.
Prayere, meadow, gk. 768.
Prayse, to estimate, appraise, gk. 1850.
Prece, pr. t. proceed, gk. 2097-
Preketes, pi. wax tapers, aa. xxxv. 9.
Prese, throng, battle, gg. 236.
Presed, p. t. thronged, gk. 830.
Present, presence, gg. 1287.
Prest, ready, prompt, aa. lv. 3. Gr.K. 246.
Prestly, promptly, gk. 757, 911.
Preue, privy, secret, gk. 902.
Preue, to prove, gk. 262. Preued, p.p.

proved, 79.
Prewey, privy, cautious, gc. 181,451.
Pr ik, to gallop, gk. 2049- Priked, p. t.

rode quickly, Gr.K. 246.
Pryme, six o'clock in the morning, gk.

1675.
Pris, Prys, price, estimation, excellence, gk.

1247, 1277, 1770, 1850, 2364; reward,

prize, 1379, 1630. gg. 392.
Prys, note of the horn, blown in hunting,

after breaking up the game, gk. 1362,

1601.
Prise, fine, good, prized, gk. 1945. aa.

xxix. 9, MS. D. gg. 236.
Prise, to attempt? gg. 116.
Prisit.p- t. accounted worthy of prize ? gg.

721.
Prysoun, prisoner, gk. 1219-
Proues, Provese, Prowes, valor, courage,

gk. 912, 1249. gg. 538, 598, 1290.

GLOSSARY.

403

Pure, quite, perfect, gk. 808, 1247. .

Pured, p.p. refined, pure, gk. 633, 912,

1737, 2393.
Pured, Purede, p.p. furred, gk. 154. aa.

xxviii. 2.

Qi \\kand, quaking, gg. 675.

Quarte, Quert, good spirits, joy, AA. xx.

10. gg. 586.
Quat, what, gk. 233, 460 ; how, 563, 2201 .

Quat so, whatsoever, gk. 255.
tQuEL, while, gk. 822.
Queldepoyntes, pi. hassocks ? gk.877.
Quelle, to put an end to, gk. 752 ; to kill,

1449, 2109. Quelled, p. p. slain, 1324.
QueLlvs, cries, aa. it. 9.
Queme, good, gk. 578 ; pleasant, 2109.
Quex, Quhen, when, gk. 20, 130, 497.
Quen-taxce, acquaintance, familiarity, gg.

1120.
Quentys, cunning, gg. 1220.
Quently, easily, gg. 1223.
Quere, where, gk. 1058. Quere so,

wheresoever, 1227, 1490. Quer-fore,

wherefore, 1294.
Querre, quarry, Fr. curee ; a term of hunt-
ing, gk. 1324. To mate Me quarry, is to

break up the deer, and feed the hounds on

the skin.
Quert, see Quarte.
Quest, united cry of the hounds, gk. 1150,

1421. Questes, pi. aa. iv. 9, MS. D.
Questede, p. t. hunted in full cry, aa.

iv. 9.
Quethe, cry, clamor, gk. 1150.
Quethe.v, whence, gk. 461.
Quether, whether, gk. 1109.
Quettyxg, whetting, gk. 2220.
Quha, who, gg. 69. Quhasa, whoso,

771.
Quhare, where, gg. 107.
Quheil, wheel, gg. 1225.
Quhelmys, pr. t. rolls, gg. 1225.
Quhy, Quy, why, gk.623. gg. 96.

Quhil, Quhill, Quile, Quyl, Quyle,
while, gk. 30, 257, 722, 1035. gg. 186 ;
until, gk. 536. gg. 85, 272, 586 ; some-
times, 1730. Quyle forth, during some,
1072.

Quhilk, Quilk, which, gg. 132, 607,
1165.

Quhilum, whilom, gg. 546.

Quyk, alive, gk. 2109.

Quyssewes, cuisses, armour for the thighs,

GK.578.

Quit, Quite, Quyt, Quyte, white, gk.

799,885, 1205,2364.
Quyte, to requite, repay, gk. 2244, 2324.

aa. xliv. 2. gg. 1101. j. 363. Quyt, p.p.

requited, gg. 203, 586.
Quo, who, gk. 231. Quo so, whoso, 209,

306.
Quod, Quode, p. t. quoth, gk. 256, 309,

343. AA.viii. 9, lii. 1. j. 212.
Quoyntance, acquaintance, familiarity,

gk. 975.
Qweschyns, cushions, aa. xxxv. 2.

R.

Rabel, rabble, pack, gk. 1899.

Race, Rase, swift course, pace, gk. 1420.

aa. ix.8. gg. 1213. See Res.
Race, blow ? gk. 2076.
Rach, hound, gk. 1903. Rach, Raches,

Rachez, Rachcbes, Rachchez, Rachis,

]il. 1164, 1362, 1420, 1426, 1907. aa. v.

6. gg. 1344. See Tlie Maister of the Game,

f. 71, MS. Cott. Vesp. b. xii.
Rad, Rade, afraid, gk. 251. aa. ix. 8, 9.
Rad, Radd, ready, quick, gk. 862. aa.

xxiii. 8, MS. D. c. 326.
Radly, promptly, readily, gk. 367, 1164,

1343,1744.
Ragit, p. p. torn ? gg. 854.
Raye, track? aa.v. 6.
Raik, to go, proceed, gg. 371, 1070.

Raykes, pr. t. goes, rides, aa. xxvii. 7,

MS. D. Raykez, imp, proceed, gk. 1076.

Raikit, Rayked, Raykede, p. t. went,
f 2

404

GLOSSARY.

moved, ran, gk. 1727, 1735. aa. ix. 8.

gg. 72,613, 1130.
Rayled, p. t. spread, gk. 952 ; bordered,

163, 603,745. aa. ii.4.
Raysoun, reason, argument, gk. 227.
Raith, Raithly, quickly, promptly, gg.

128, 371, 910, 986, 1129, 1252. See

Raith.
Rak, vapor, fog, gk. 1695.
Rak, encounter, gg. 918.
Rake, course, road, gk. 2144, 2160.
Ramand, roaring, gg. 1129-
Ramy, to roar, growl, gc. 238. Ramyt,

p. t. roared, shouted, gg. 693, 966. See

Rome.
Randone, swift course, J. 254.
Randonit, p.p. flowed with a swift course,

gg.248.
Rank, strong, gg. 691- See Ronk.
Rapely, quickly, gk. 2219.
Rapes, pr. t. moves quickly, runs, gk. 1309,

1903.
Raris, roarings, gg. 85.
Rasch, encounter, shock, gg. 914.
Rasez, pr. t. rushes, gk. 1461.
Rasit, p. p. abashed, gg. 396.
Rasse, raised mound, eminence, gk. 1570.

So also in another poem in the same MS.,

the author says of the Ark,

Hit sa-,tled on a softe day, synkande to grounde ;
On a rasse of a rok hit reste at the laste.

.Vera A. n.f. 63.

The word is not in Jamieson ; but is pre-
served in Cumberland. See Brockett, v.
Raise.

Rassit, p. t. razed, destroyed, gg. 986.

Rath, Rathe, quickly, soon, aa. li.4. gg.
1314. See Raith.

Rathe, savage, hasty? AA.xxxiv. 9.

Ratheled, p.p. fixed, rooted, gk.2294.

Raude, a path? gk. 1710.

Raught, p. t. reached, gave, gg. 458, 630.
c. 237, 323 j p. p. given, c. 330.

Ravine, beasts ofchace, prey, Gr.K.4l6.

Raw, row, gg. 396. Rawez, pi. gk. 513.

Rawthe, terrible, jarring, gk. 2204.

Rajtez, pr. t. gavest, gk. 2351. Rajt, p. t.
rushed, 432 ; reached, gave, 1817, 1874,
2297. See Raught.

Rebanes, ribbons, aa. ii. 3.

fREBE, an error, apparently, for Rubyes,
aa. xxxi. 4, MS. D. Pinkerton and Ja-
mieson print it reve ; and the latter gives
us the usual quantum of nonsense on it.

Rebutit, p.p. repulsed, gg. 1136.

Rech, Reche, to reach, give, gk. 66, 1804,
2059 ; attain, 1243. Reches, Rechez,
pr. t. extends, 183; readiest, givest,
2324.

Rechas, Rechayse, the reeheat, a hunting
term, applied to the notes blown on the
horn to call the dogs, aa. v. 6, MS. D.
v. 10. The term is preserved in Shakspere.
See Nares Gloss, v. Reeheat.

Rechatand, blowing the reeheat, gk. 1911.

Rechated, p.t. blew the reeheat, gk. 1466 ;
p.p. blown on with the reeheat, 1446.

Rechles, careless, gk.40.

Recomforthed, p. t. encouraged, aa. iv. 4.

Recure, remedy, gg. 1203.

Reddoure, violence, AA.vii. 3.

Rede, n. counsel, aa. viii. 2. gg. 120. c. 87-

Rede, to maintain, gk. 1970; to counsel,
2111. aa. xli. 5, xliii. 4. Redez, Redys,
pr. t. managest, gk. 373 ; tells, aa. ii. 3.
Rede, Reede, Redden, pr. t. counsel,
gk.363. aa. xxxiv. 9. gg. 323. gc 133.
Red, subj. should counsel, gk. 738.
Redde, p. p. counselled, said, 443.

Redles, void of counsel, gg. 1130.

Redly, readily, gk. 373. See Radly.

Refourme, pr. t. renew, remake, gk. 378.

Reft, p. t. snatched, took away, gg. 81.

Rehete, to cheer, GG. 1158. Rehayted,
p. I. cheered, encouraged, 895, 1422,
1744.

Reif, to rob, gg. 1314.

Reykynge, running, gc. 110.

Reime, realm, gg. 1258.

Reirdit, p. t. clamored, gg. 914 ; p. //.
resounded, 85 ; reared ? 238.

GLOSSARY.

405

Rekexly, straightway i promptly ? ok. 39,
251, 821.

Rekxand, riding? gg. 519-

Reled, p. t. swaggered, gk. 229 ; rolled,
spread, 304.

Relyes, pr. t. follow ? continue? aa.v. 6.

Reme.ne, to remember, gk. 2483.

Remoude, to blame, gk.2434.

Remwe, to change, gk. 1475.

Ren-ay, pr. t. refuse, gk. 1827- Rexayed,
p. t. refused, 1821.

Rexk, Renke, man, knight, gk. 303, 691,
1558,1821. aa. xxvi. 5, 1.3. gg.72, 113.
Rexkes, Rexkis, Rexkkez,;;?. gk. 432,
862, 1134, 2246. gg. 11, 133. In Rich-
ardson's Dictionary, 4to. 1837, I regret
to find this by no means unusual word
entered as Revk, on the authority of
Whitaker's vile text of Piers Plouhman.

Rexxaxde, running, gk.857.

Rexxe, to run, gk. 1568. Rexxes, Rex-
xez, pi: t. runs, 310, 731, 1570.

Rextaris, holders of lands, chiefs, gg.
403.

Res, swift course, pace, gk. 1164, 1899.
aa. xxvii. 7, MS. D. See Race.

Resayt, a hunting term, applied to the
stations taken up by those on foot, gk.
1168.

Rescowe, rescue, gk. 2302.

Resette, Resset, place of reception, abode,
GK. 2164. GG. 38.

Resyxge, pr. t. resign, aa. I. 4.

Rest, p. t. rested ? aa. xxv. 5, MS. D.

Restayed, p. p. stopt, driven back, gk.
1153.

Resteyed, p. t. constrained? gk. 1672.

Restles, without rest, gg. 113,307.

Restlixg, struggling? gg. 458

Reuth, sorrow, gg. 693, 996, 1129.

Relay, festivity, gg. 1343.

Reve, to take away, bereave, gk. 2459.
Relede, p. p. bereaved, aa. xxii. 8.

Reuehssede, p.p. trimmed, aa. ii. 3. The
same phrase is found in the alliterative
Morte Arthure.

And with ladily lappes, the lenghe of a ierde.
And alle redily reuersside wl rebanes of golde.

MS. Linc.f. 87b.

Pinkerton misprints this word reidsett,

from the Douce MS., which is gravely

received by Jamieson, and dignified with

a Saxon derivation ! !
Rew, to repent, gg. 98. Rewyth, pr. I.

repents, gc 195. Reyvit, p. t. pitied,

gg. 1090.
Rewfully, compassionately, aa. xxv. 5.
Riale, Riall, Rialle, Ryal, Ryalle,

royal, gk. 905. aa. xxvi. 7, xlix. 3. gg.

15,72. gc 26, 593. Ryalle, pi. nobles,

used substantively, a A. 1.4.
Riallest, royalest, gg. 402.
Ryalme, realm, gk. 691- Ryalmes, pi.

310.
Rialte, royalty, gg. 1041.
Ricches, Riches, Ryches, pr. t. goes, gk.

8; prepares, dresses, 1309, 1873. Richex,

Riches, pr. I. pi. dress, gk. 1130 ; march,

aa. xxi. 3, MS. D. Ryched, p. p. pre-
pared, gk. 2206.
Rich, Riche, Rych, Ryche, noble, proud,

powerful, gk. 8, 20, 39, 40, 397, 1744.

gg. 402. Used substantively in the plural,

nobles, gk. 66, 362.
Rych, pr. t. teach? gk. 1223.
Richchaxde, running, gk. 1898.
Riche, n. (?) gk. 2177.
Ryched, p. p. enriched, gk. 599.
Richely, Rychely, proudly, nobly, gk.

308,931.
Ryd, Rydde, to release, gk. 364 ; rescue,

2244.
Ridaxd, riding, gg. 189.
Ride, fierce, rough, gg. 500. Used also bv

Barbour.
Rvde, p. t. proceed, gk, 1344.
Rygge, back, gk. 1344, 1608.
Righte, />. t. rip, cut, aa. xxxix. 1 1 .
Rightuis, righteous, gg. 1091.
Rightwisly, righteously, aa. xxv. 5,

MS. D.
Rigne, to reign, gg. 424. See Ring.

406

GLOSSARY.

Rykande, potent, loud ? gk. 2337.

Rimed, p. t. vociferated ? ok. 308.

Rymez, rims, borders? gk. 1343.

Ryn, to run, gg. 1344.

Ryne, territory, gg. 225.

Ring, to reign, gg. 495. Ryngis, pr. t.

1236, 1289.
Ringand, reigning, gg. 1041.
Rynk, ring, gk. 1817, 1827.
Ryol, royal, gk. 2036.
Riolyse, nobles, gg. 910.
Ryot, revel, gg. 1345.
Rypez, pr. t. becomes ripe, gk. 528.
Rise, Rys, bough, twig, gk. 1698. gg. 854,

1344.
Risshe, n. rush, aa. xliii. 7-
Riste, resting place ? aa. v. 6.
Ryste, p. t. rested, aa. xviii. 10.
Rytte, pr. t. cut, rip, gk. 1332.
Ryue, rife, much, gk. 2046.
Ryuez, pr. I. rips, rives, cuts, gk. 1341,

2290.
Rived, p. t. arrived, akc. 32.
Ryjt, p. 1. addressed, prepared, gk. 308.
Roche, rock, gk. 2199.
Rocher, rock, gk. 1432. Rocheres, Ro-

cherez, pi. 1327, 1698.
Rode, Roode, complexion, aa. xiii. 5. gc.

367.
Rode, Rood, gk. 1949.
Roe, peace, rest, Gr.K. 395. Germ. raft. It
• is left unexplained by Ritson in Le Bone

Florence, Metr. Rom. iii. 36 ; and Erie of

Tolous, ib. iii. 122.
Rof, blow, cut, gk. 2346.
Rogh, Roghe, Roj, R03E, rough, shaggy,

GK. 745, 1432, 1608, 1898, 2162, 2198.
Roy, Roye, king, aa. xlix. 3. gg. 189-
Rokked, p.p. rolled, cleansed, gk. 2018.

Geoffrey of Vinesauf says, " Rotantur

lories, ne rubigine squalescunt," which

Sir S. Meyrick adds, was done by putting

the coat of mail into a barrel filled with

sand, and rolling it about. — Crit. Inq.1.85.

Hence may be explained a passage in La-

jamon, 1. 22287.

Rome, to growl, roar, c. 209. See Ramy.
Romez, pr. t. walks, proceeds, gk, 2198.
Ronez, pi. thickets, brush-wood, gk. 1466.
Ronge, p. t. resounded, gk. 2204.
Ronk, Ronke, strong, gk. 513. AA.xlvii.

6. See Rank.
Ronkkled, p. p. wrinkled, gk. 953.
Rooke, heap, c. 370.
Rote, (?) gk. 2207.

Rought, p. t. recked, lamented, Gr.K. 242.
Roun, to whisper, commune, gk. 362.
Rounce, steed, gk. 303.
Rous, fame, gk. 310.

Rouse, brag, boast, gt.k. 166. See Ruse.
Rout, army, multitude, gg. 307. tg. 131,

175.
Rout, Route, violent movement, impetus,

gk. 457 ; blow, aa. xli. 5. gg. 630, 940.

Routis, pi. blows, c. 500.
Roue, p. t. cleaved, cut, gk. 2346.
Rouez, roofs, gk. 799.
Ro;, Roje, see Rogh.
Rubes, rubies, aa. ii. 4. The Douce MS.

reads, rybees, which is only a variation

in spelling, or blunder of the scribe, but

which Jamieson chooses in the 8vo edit.

of his Dictionary to explain " shoes called

turn-overs".'.'.'
Ruchched, Ruched, Rusched,^. t. moved,

advanced? gk. 303, 367, 2219. See Ric-

CHES.

Rude, adj. strong? gg. 85.

Rude, n. Rood, gg. 124.

RuDEDE,p.y. ruddy, gk. 1695. See Rode.

Rudelez, curtains, gk. 857-

Rudly, speedily, gg. 561, 673. Gr.K. 153.

See Radly.
Righ, Ruje, rough, gk. 953, 2166. See

Rogh.
fRuYscHLY, apparently an error for Ru-

nyschly, violently, GK.432.
Runisch, violent, impetuous, gk.457.
Runischly, fiercely, roughly, gk. 304. See

MS. Cott. Nero A. x. ff. 80b, 85b.
Rurd, Rurde, noise, clamor, gk. 1149,

1698,1916,2219,2337.

GLOSSARY.

407

Ruse, boast, go. 98; fame, 1241. See Rous.
Ruthes, pr. t. moves, dresses? ok. 1558.
Cf. Ricches.

S.
Sa, so, go. 831.
Sabatounz, steel shoes, gk. 574. SeeNotes,

p. 315.
Sad, stable, strong, gg. 249 ; grave, 428.
Sadel, to saddle, gk.1128. This word is

only inserted for the purpose of pointing

out a singular error of Mr. Guest, who

prints the word fadcl, and then explains it

fettle. Hist. Engl. Rh. ii. 1G7-
Sadly, gravely, steadily.GK. 437, 1593, 1937,

2409. gg. 574.
Saf, save, except, gk. 394.
Safe, Sauene, to assuage, alleviate, aa.

xvii. 1.
Sage, (?) gk. 531.
Sage, man, gg. 266. See Sege.
Say, saint, gk. 774.
Saiklese, guiltless, gg. 3, 79".
Sail, Saill, Sale, hall, gk. 197, 243, 349-

AA.xxvii. 1. gg. 72, 133, 360, 1092.
Saylande, flowing, gk.865.
Saill, happiness, gg. 267.
Sayn, girdle, gk. 589-
Sayn, saint, gk. 1788.
Saynd, Sayndis-man, messenger, gg.47,

326, 367.
Sayne, see Sane.

Sayned, p. t. blessed, gk. 761, 1202.
Saynt, rich stuff, Fr. samit, gk. 2431.
Saland, sailing, gg. 250.
Saleh, salt-cellar, aa. xxxv. 8, MS. D. Sa-

LERS, pi. AA. XXXV. 8.

Salf, to save, preserve, gg. 793.

Salt, assault, gg. 473.

Salue, to salute, gk. 1473.

Salure, salt-cellar, gk. 886. See Saler.

Salust, p. t. saluted, gg. 136, 382, 1278.

Salued, Saluede, p.p. saved, aa. xvii. 12,

xix. 10.
Sambutes, housings, saddle-cloth, aa. ii.

11, MS.D.

Same, Samen, Samyne, together, gk. 50,

363, 673, 744. GG. 906, 914.
Samen, to assemble, gk. 1372. Samned,

p.p. joined, 659.
Samyne, same, gg. 304, 315.
Sanap, Sanape, napkin, gk. 886. aa. xxxv.

8, MS. D. Sanapes.^/. aa.xxxv.8. " Sa-

noppe, manutergium," Prompt. Parv. Ja-

mieson absurdly interprets this mustard.'!.'
Sandel, see Sendal.
Sane, Sayne, to say, gg. 4. j. 57.
Saned, Sanede, p.p. healed, aa. liv.4, 10.
fSAUDE, p.p. served? aa. ii. 11, MS. D.

Jamieson prints this sande, and explains it

girt.
Sauf, to save, gg. 1102.
SAUGHTiLLE.to make peace, to be reconciled,

aa. lii. 10.
Saughtnyng, peace, reconciliation, gg.

1264.
Saull-prow, spiritual benefit, gg. 269.
Sauand, saving, excepting, gg. 441.
Saued, p. p. healed, aa. liv.4, 10, MS. D.
Sauer, safer, gk. 1202.
Sauerly, savourly, carefully, gk. 1937,

2048.
Saw, Sa?e, saying, speech, gk. 1202, 1246.

gg. 266. Sawis, Sajez,/)/. gk. 341. gg.

873.
Sawtire, saltire, AA.xxiv. 8.
Sawtry, Sawtrye, psaltery, gc. 598. c.

466.
Sajtlynge, reconciliation, aa. Ii. 11, MS.D.

See Saughtille.
Scade, p. t. severed, gk. 425.
Scar, to frighten, gg. 279.
•f'ScAS, probably a mistake for cast, aa. xlviii.

2, MS. D. Those who wish it may see

what Jamieson has madeof thecorruption.
Scathe, harm, gk. 674, 2353.
Schadden, p. t. shed, dropt, gk. 727- See

Shade.
Schafte, spear, gk. 205.
Schafted, p. t. set, sank, gk. 1467.
Schaghes, groves, aa. vi. 2, MS. D. See

Scha3E.

408

GLOSSARY.

Schaip, imp. go, gg. 599.

Schair, Schare, p. t. cut, smote, GB. 930,

968.

Schale, shall, gk. 1240.

Schalk, man, knight, gk. 160,424, 1776,

2061,2372. GG.599- ScHALKEZ, ScHAL-

Kis.pl. gk. 1454. gg. 639, 891. Schalk,

gen.pl. 562.
Schane, bright, aa. xxvi. 4. See Schene.
Schankes, legs, gk. 160. See Schonkes.
Schap, p. t. was formed, gk. 2328.
Schape, to escape ? gk. 1210.
Schapen, p.p. shaped, gk. 213.
Schapes, pr. t. relates, gk. 1626.
Schaply, fitly, fairly, gc.453.
Scharp, used substantively for sword, gk.

1593, 1902; axe, 2318.
Schaterande, dashing, gk. 2083.
Schawe, to shew, gk. 27-
Schaje, grove, wood, gk. 2161. See

Schaghes.
Scheddit, p. t. cut, gg. 990. ScHED.y.p.

cut, shaved, 604.
Scheder, pr. t. drifts ? gk. 956.
Schedez, pr. t. pours, gk. 506.
fScHEiDis, a misprint for Scheildis, gg.

668. Jamieson, however, endeavours to

find a meaning, and explains the word

Scheirly, Schirly, Schyrly, cleanly, GK.

1880 j brightly, gg. 22, 477- See Schir.
Scheldez, shields of a boar, gk. 1456,

1626.
Schemered, p. t. glittered, gk.772.
Schend, Schende, to destroy, confound,

gk.2266. gg. 1077- Schent, p. t. went

to pieces, 619. Schent, Shente, p.p.

injured, conquered, disgraced, aa. xlix.

7. gg. 689, 1068, 1186. j. 16, 514.
Schene, Scheyne, Sheene.Shene, bright,

beautiful, clear, gk. 662, 2314. AA.xxiv.

8, xxx. 7, xxxix. 7, liv. 7. gg. 242, 444,
477,639. Gr.K. 447. Used substantively,
gk.2268.

Schene, p. t. were conspicuous, gg. 1273.
Schent, n. disgrace, gg. 1077.

Schere, Schiere, countenance, mien, gk.
334. GG. 616.

Schere, to shear, cut, gk. 213. Scher,
p. t. 1337. See Schair.

Schides, Schydes, splinters, aa. xxxix.
7,9-

fScHiLDE, should, GK. 1286.

Schylde, subj. forbid, gk, 1776.

Schinande, shining, gk. 269.

Schynbawdes, greaves? armourforthe legs,
aa. xxxi. 5. MS. D. seems to read Schyn-
bandes, and it is so printed by Pinkerton
and Jamieson. The same term occurs
again in the alliterative Morte Arthure :

The schafte schoderede and schotte in the scliire

beryne,
That the schedande hlode one Ms schanke run-

nys,
And schewede one his sehynbawde, that was

schire burneste.

MS. Line./. 93'.

Schyndered, p. t. severed, shivered, gk.
424, 1458, 1594.

Schir, Schire, Schyire, Schyr, Schyre,
fair, bright, clear, gk. 317, 425, 619, 772.
gg. 537,610, 639, 690, 1331. Used sub-
stantively for skin or necA-, 2256. See
Scheirly.

Schyre, fairly, clearly, gk. 506, 2083.

Schyrer, fairer, clearer, gk. 955.

Scho, she, gk. 1259, 1550, 1555. aa. i. 13,
iii. 1, xxvii. 7.

Scholes, pr. t. (?) gk. 160.

Schonkes, Shonkez, legs, gk. 431, 846.

Schonkit, p. 1. gave way, failed, gg. 619.
Jamieson prints it Schenkit, and interprets
it agitated. See also Weber's Gloss, to
Metr. Rom. v. Schenche.

Schore, shore, earth, gk. 2161, 2332.
Schorez, pi. 2083.

Schore, high, eminent, gg. 340.

Schore, threat, gg. 103.

Schore, to threaten, gg. 276.

Schotten, p. t. shot, gk. 1167.

Schowen, Schowuez, Schowys, pr. t.
shove, push, throng, gk. 1454, 2161.

GLOSSARY.

409

aa. v. 1. Schowued, p. I. shoved, fell
with force, gk.2083.
Schraxk,])./. sunk, pierced, gk. 425, 2313.
Schuede, to clothe? aa. xxxi. 5.
Schrof, p. t. shrived, ok. 1880.
Schroud, a|i])arel, armour, gg. 599,968.
Sihuvedede, p.p. dressed, aa. ii. 7.
Schrydes, pr. t. covers or protects from ?

AA.ii. 7- MS. D. reads Suedes.
Schunt, backward step? gk. 2268.
Schunt, p. t. shunned, shrunk, gk. 1902,

2280.
Schu PE,p A. purposed, disposed, gg. 456,473.
Schuhde, p.p. dressed, aa. ii. 7, MS.D.
Schwne, to protect? gk.205.
Scowtes, high rocks? gk. 2167. See

Brockett, in v.
Sech, to seek, gk. 1052.
See, kingdom, GC. 660.
Sege, Segge, siege, gk. 1, 2525.
Sege, Segg, Segge, man, knight, gk. 96,

115,226,394,437. AA.xxviii.8. gg. 90,

459. Segge, yen. c. man's, gk. 574.

Segges, Seggez, Segis, pi. gk. 673, 822,

1438. GG. 142, 209. 651.
Seghe, p. t. saw, gk. 1705.
Sey, sea, gg. 3.
Sey, p.t. saw, gk. 1619.
Seye, to go, gk. 1879- Sejen, p. p. arrived,

1958.
Seill, Sele, good fortune, prosperity, gk.

1938,2409,2422. gg. 4.
Seymly, fair, comely, gg. 524. The edit.

1508, reads seynily, by a misprint, which

Pinkerton converts into seynity. Jamieson

contends that seynily is right, and means

signal!!!
Seir, Sere, adj. several, gk. 124, 632, 761,

822, 1982. aa. xvii. 2, MS. D. gg. 214,

251,1338.
Seir, adv. much, eagerly? gg. 473.
Seir, gg. 529, is so printed by Pinkerton and

Jamieson, although the edit, of 1508 reads

Feir. The meaning is doubtful,
f Seir, probablya mistake for Schir, bright,

GG.242.

Seyth, see Sethe.

Seker, Sekore, sure, trusty, gk. 265. gg.

2. See Siker.
Seladynes, chalcedonies, aa. ii. 9, MS. D.

Falsely printed by Pinkerton and Jamie-
son scladynes.
fSELcouGHT, pi. marvels, gg. 210.
Selcouth, marvellous, strange,GG.266,409,

133S.
Selcouthes, marvels, wonders, aa. xxvi. 8,

MS. D.
Selden, seldom, gk.499.
Sele, see Seill.

Sellokest, most surprising, gk. 1439.
Selly, n. marvel, wonder, gk. 474, 2170.

Sellyez, pi. 239.
Selly, adj. strange, gk. 28.
Selly- , adv. wondrously, gk. 1194.
Sellyly, strangely, wondrously, gk. 963,

1803.
fSELLYLY", perhaps for Selly-, excellent.

GK. 1962.

Seloure, Selure, canopy, gk. 76. aa.

xxvii. 2. See Sylour.
Seluen, joined to a noun or pronoun in the

singular, gk. 51, 107, 113, 1548.
Semblaunce, Sembland, Semblaunt,

countenance, appearance, behaviour, gk.

148,468, 1273, 1658. GG.428, 1282. J. 8.
Semble, Semblee, assembly, gk. 1429. gg.

214.
Semble, pr. t. assemble, aa. vi. 1, MS. D.
Semblynge, meeting together, aa. Ii. 11.
Seme, (?) gk. 10S5.
Semed, p. t. beseemed, befitted, gk. 73,

1929.
Semelede, p. t. assembled, a a. vi. 1.
Semely, Semly, adj. comely, fair, gk. 672,

685. aa.xxxv.8. gg. 1092,1197.
Semez, seams, borders, gk. 610.
Semly, Semlych, adv. fairly, suitably, be-
comingly, courteously, gk. 865, 882, 916,

1198, 1658.
Semlely, Semlyly, becomingly, gk. 622.

aa. ii. 11.
Semloker, more seemly, fairer, gk. 83.

3 G

410

GLOSSARY.

Semyde, Semyt, p. t. appeared, aa. ii. 10.
gg. 529.

Sen, since, gg. 57, 434.

fSEND, for Sent, c. 198.

Sendal, Sendale, Sandel, fine silk, gk.
76. aa. xxx. 9-

Sene, adj. (?) gk.341. It is allied to Su.
g. sann, true?

Sene, to see, gk. 712. Sene, pr. t. aa.
xlvi. 13.

Sen", without, gg.779-

Senyeour, lord, master, gg. 145, 326.

Sere, see Seir.

Sere, (?) gk. 1522,2417-

Serke, shirt, gc. 535. c. 367-

Serlepes, severally, by turns, gk. 501.

Sertayn, certainly, gk. 174.

Serued, p.p. deserved, gk. 1380.

Seruy, n. service? gk. 751. Cf. 940.

Sese, to receive, gk. 1825. Sesed, p. t.
held, seized, 822, 1330.

SESED,p.t.andp.p. ceased, gk. 1,1083, 2526.

Set upone sevin, or on sevin, a phrase
which Jamieson, v. Scheidis, gives up as
inexplicable, and yet which is of such fre-
quent occurrence as to deserve more notice
than he has chosen to bestow on it. It is
in most cases spoken of God, and the ori-
ginal idea seems to imply the creation of
the world in seven days, whence it means to
set or dispose in order, gg. 1045. Compare
the Pystyl of Susan, xxi. 4 j and Towneley
Mysteries, pp. 85, 97, 118. But in gg.
508, 668, the phrase appears to have ac-
quired another sense, namely, to encounter
in battle. In the same sense it occurs in
the alliterative Matte Arthure, f. 75b.

Sete, (?) GK.889- gg. 1155. Perhaps con-
nected with Su. G. sa>ta, prodesse.

Sete, Seten, p. t. and p. p. sat, 865, 940,
1522.

Sethe, Sethyne, Seyth, afterwards, then,
since, gc 222, 290, 299, 436, 469- See
Sithen.

Setolers, players on thecitole, a species of
hurdy-gurdy? AA.xxvii. 5.

Settel, seat, chair, gk. 882.

Seuer, to part, gk. 1988. Seueres, pr. t.

1797.
Sew, p. t. follow, aa. vi. 2. Sewyde, p. t.

followed, gc 62.
Sewe, prepared dish of meat, perhaps a stew,

gk. 892. Sewes, pi. 124, 889.
Se;, Se?e, Sejen, p. t. saw, gk, 672, 707,

1911-
Shade, p. t. shed, flowed, j. 90. See

SCHADDEN.

Shaftmone, half a foot, aa. xli. 2. This
terra is retained by Sir John Harrington,
in his translation of Ariosto.

Shinand, shining, aa. xli. 2.

Shindre, pr. t. shiver, break, AA.xxxix. 7,
MS. D.

Shoen, shoes, Gr.K. 516.

Shontest, pr. t. shrinkest, Gr.K. 469. See
Schunt.

Shoure, conflict, j. 76.

Shred, p.p. severed, cut, aa. xliv. 10.

Sic, such, gg. 274, 506.

Sickerly, Sickirly, Syckerlye, surely,
truly.GG. 432,773,1005. j.210. Gr.K. 215.

Syflez, pr. t. whistles, blows, gk. 517.

Sykande, sighing, gk. 1796.

Siked, Syked, p. t. sighed, gk. 672. aa.
xhii. 13. Gr.K. 268.

Siker, Syker, adj. sure, trusty, brave, gk.
96,115,2048,2493. GG. 484.

Sikf.r, adv. surely, gk. 1637.

Siking, Sykyng, sighing, gk. 753. aa. vii.
10, MS. D. Sykyngez, pi. gk. 1982.

Sylour, canopy, gg. 66. See Seloure.

Silit, p. t. sank, gg. 524. Jamieson's ab-
surd interpretation of this line is unworthy
notice. See his Diet. v. Seynity, or Sey-
nily, words which never existed at all, ex-
cept by the merest typographical blunders.

Sille, Syll, seat, throne, gk. 55. gg. 433,
1197-

Syluener, silver, plate? gk. 124.

Syn, Syne, Synne, since, gk. 19, 24, 919,
1892;then,afterwards,GG.62,304.GC.515.

Syngne, sign, token, gk. 625.

GLOSSARY.

411

Syre, lord, master, GO. 144, 428. gc. 223,
395.

Syte, disgrace, sorrow, gg. 1099, 1202.
Sytis, pi. torments, AA.xvii. 1.

Syth, sight? gg. 1315.

SiTH,time,GG. 3S2. Sithe, Sythe, Sythes,
Sythez, Sythis, pi. gk. 17, 632, 761,
1868. aa. xlii.6. gc. 354, 638.

Sithen, Sithenne, Sytue, Sythen, Sy-
then.ve, afterwards, then, next, since, gk.
1,6,43, 115,358, 1234, 1339. aa. iii. 6,
xx. 5, xxxv. 7. J. 42. See Sethe.

Sittande, sitting, AA.xxxviii. 7.

Syj, Syje, p. t. saw, gk. 83, 200, 1582.

tSKAtTHT, injury, harm, gg.279.

Skayned, p.p. (?) gk. 2167.

tSkeled, apparently anerror for Serkeled,
incircled, aa. x. 3, MS. D.

Skere, modest ? gk. 1261.

Skete, quickly, gk. 19.

Skyfted. p.p. shifted, changed, gk. 19.

Skill, Skyl, Skylle, reason, gk. 1296,
1509. gg. 1219. mg. 167.

tSKYNNEZ.kind; theinitial letter in pronun-
ciation having become detached from the
preceding word, gk. 1539. See other in-
stances in Lajamon, vol. ii. p. 607 ; and
Arthour and Merlin, p. 159, 4to, 1838.

Skirles, pr. 1. screams, aa. xlii. 3.

Skyrtez, horse-trappings, gk. 601 ; skirts
of a robe, 865.

Skowes, Skuwes, Skwez, groves, shady
coverts ? gk. 2167. aa. v. 1, MS. D., x.
12, MS. D. Cf. MS. Cott. Nero A. x. f.
81, 81b.

Skrikes, Skryke, Skrykis, pr. t. shrieks,
shriek, aa. x. 12, MS. D., xlii. 2, xlviii. 8.

Skrilles,/w. I. screams, aa. xlviii. 8.MS.D.

Slade, Slaid, valley, gk. 2147- gg. 840.
Sladez, pi. gk. 1159.

Slake, gap or ravine between two hills, AA.
xxiii. 12.

Slaked, p. p. drunken? gk. 244.

Slawe, p.p. slain, c.420.

Sle, skilful, gg. 883.

Sleutyng, shooting, letting fly, gk. 1160.

3 g

Sleje, ingenious, gk. 797, 893.

Slejly, slily, softly, gk. 1182.

Slejt, Slijt, stratagem, gk. 1854, 185S.
Slejtez, pi. 916.

Slikes, pr. t. slides, aa. xlviii. 6, MS. D.
The Line. MS. reads slydys, contrary to
the rhythm. Pinkerton and Jamieson
falsely print the word slik, and the latter
makes it an adjective.

Slyxge, blow, aa. xlviii. 5. The Douce MS.
reads slenk, which is only a provincial
mode of pronunciation. Jamieson, how-
ever, is misled by it, and interprets it er-
roneously, apiece of low craft.

Slyjt, skilful, gk. 1542.

Slode, p. t. slipt, gk. 1182.

Slokes, blows? gk.412.

Slomeryng, slumbering, gk. 1182.

Slot, pit of the stomach, gk. 1330, 1593.
See Notes, p. 322.

Smeten, p. t. smote, gk. 1763.

Smethely, smoothly, gk. 1789.

Smolt, mild, gk. 1763.

Smure, to smother, be concealed, gg. 1204.

Snart, Snartly, severely, sharply, gk.
2003. aa. vii.4, MS.D.

Snayped, Snayppede, p.t. nipped, gk.
2003. aa. vii.4.

Snelle, keenly, aa. vii.4.

Snelles, pr. t. pierces ? aa. vii. 4, MS. D.

Sxeteraxd, drifting, aa. vii. 4, MS. D.

Snitered, p. t. drove, drifted, gk. 2003.

Socht, p. t. went, proceeded, gg. 302, 459.
See S03T.

Soft, to soften, gg. 1055.

Sojourned, p. p. lodged, gk. 2048.

Somer, beast of burthen, gc. 567.

Sonde, Providence, gc. 150.

Soner, to trust ? gg. 1105.

Sonynge, swooning, gc. 318.

Sop, hasty meal, gk. 1135. Soppes de
mayn, pi. strengthening draughts, or
viands, aa. xxxvii. 10. Dunbar uses the
phrase breid of mane, which is equivalent
to the pain de maine of Chaucer.

Sore, p. t. grieved, gk. 1826, 1988.

412

GLOSSARY.

Sorje, inprecation, gk. 1721; sorrow, 2415.
Sotei.er, player on the citole? aa. xxvii. 5,

MS. D. See Setolers.
Soth, Sothe, truth, gk. 84, 355.
Sothen, p.p. boiled, sodden, gk. 892.
Sounde, — In sounde, well, unhurt, gk.

2489.
Sounder, herd of wild swine, gk. 1440.

See Notes, p. 323.
Soundyly, soundly, gk. 1991.
Sourquydrye, pride, GK. 311.
Soueranefull, noble, gg. 1304.
Sowme, number, gk. 1321.
S05T, p. t. went, departed, gk. 685, 1438.
Space, to require.' gk. 1199.
Spail, blow ? gg. 984.
Spalis, splinters, gg. 629.
Spare, barren, gg. 112.
Spare, several, divers, gk. 901.
Sparis, imp. spare ye, gg. 274.
Sparlyr, calf of the leg, gk. 158. I have
only met with this word once elsewhere,
namely in the early Wycliffite version of
Deuteronomy, cap. xxviii. v. 35, where the
later version reads " hyndere partes of the
leg."
Sparthe, axe, gk. 209.
Sped,/>. /.went, proceeded, gk. 1444. Used
as p.p. with the verb to be, to imply suc-
cess, Gr.K. 375.
Spede, profit, gk.918.
Speded, p. t. hastened, gk. 979.
Spedly, expediently ? gk. 1935.
Speir, Sperez, pr. t. inquire, inquires, gk.

1624. gg. 274.
Spek, Speken, p. t. spake, gk. 1117, 1288.
Spelle, speech, narrative, gk. 209, 1199,

2184.
Spellez, pr. t. talkest, gk. 2140.
Spend, Spenet,;>. /. fastened, gk. 158,587.
Spenne, (?) gk. 1074,2316.
Spenne, spinny, quickset hedge, gk. 1709,

1896.
Spere-feild, field of battle, gg. 1238.
Spetos, cruel, gk. 209.
Spillynge, failure, aa. xx. 7. The MS. D.

reads Speling, which Jamieson falsely ex-
plains instruction.
Spyre, imp. ask, aa. xx. 9. See Speir.
Spyt, injury, gk. 1444.
Spiteth, pr. t. injureth, tg. 155.
Sporne, interpreted by Jamieson to stumble,

gg. 879- See Notes, p. 342.
Sprenged, p. t. sprang, gk. 1415 ; dawned,

2009.
Sprent, Sprente, p. t. leapt, gk. 1896.

J. 146, 253. Gr.K. 200; shivered, split,

gg. 618, 1238.
Sprit, p. t. started? gk. 2316.
Spured, Spuryed, p.p. inquired, gk.901,

2093.
Spute, imp. dispute, aa. xx. 9, MS. D.
Stabled, p. p. established, gk. 1060.
Stablye, station of huntsmen, gk. 1153.

Used also by Wyntown.
Stacke, p. t. stuck, j. 207.
Stad, p. p. placed, disposed, gk. 33, 644,

2137. See MS. Cott. Nero A. x. fr. 5S,

68, 70b.
Staf-ful, quite full, gk.494.
Stakerit, Stakkerit, Stakrit, p.t. stag-
gered, gg. 624, 916, 929.
Stale, Stalle, seat, gk. 104, 107.
Stalked, p. t. approached, moved, gk. 237.
Staluart, Stalwart, Stalwurth, strong,

powerful, brave, gk. 846, 1659. gg. 89,

353,710,718,741. tg. 25. Staluart,

and Stalwartis, pi. used substantively,

gg. 642, 768.
Standertis, pi. tapers of a large size? aa.

XXXV. 9.

Stange, pole, staff, gk. 1614.
Stapalis, staples, fastenings, gg. 981.
Stapled,;).^), furnished with staples, gk.606.
Starande, glittering, gk. 1818.
Stargand, starting, aa. xl. 4, MS. D.
Start, p. t. started, moved, gk. 431, 1716.
Staue, staff? gk. 2137.
Sted, Stedde, place, gk. 439, 2213, 2323.
Steir, see On-steir.
Steir, to stir, gg. 505, 671.
Stek, p. t. stuck, gk. 152.

GLOSSARY.

413

Stekillede, p. t. strewed, aa. xxxi. 2. Per-
haps we should read Strekillede.

Stel, p. /. stole, gk. 1191.

Stel-gere, armour, gk. 2G0.

Stemed, Stemmed, /i. /.stood still? spoke
in a low voice? gk. 230, 1117.

Stent, p. t. stopt, aa. xlv. 7 ; p. p. restrain-
ed, go. 559.

Steuand, stirring, active, gg. 588,890.

Sterne, stout, brave ; used substantively,
man being understood, gg. 19, 108, 987.
See Sturne.

Sternys, stars, aa. xxxi. 2.

Steryne, stout, aa. xxxi. 1.

Steven, Steuin, voice, sound, shout, gk.
242, 2008, 2336. gg. 2, 666, 821 ; con-
ference, gk. 1060, 2194,2213.

Stid, place, aa. xxv. 4, MS. D. See
Sted.

Stif, adj. strong, brave, gk. 104, 107, 322.

Stif, adv. courageously, gk.671.

Stirtande, starting, spirited, AA.xl.4.

Stynt, n. cessation, gg. 974.

Stynt, to stop, gg. 767, S63.

Sti'th, stout, brave, gg. 678, 718.

Stithil,;jc. t. voyage ? gg. 4G(). Jamieson is
certainly mistaken in converting this word
into an adverb, and explaining it eagerly.

Stithly, Stythly, stiffly, strongly, gk.
431,575.

Stijt, strongly ? aa. xlvi. 6.

Stijtel, to dispose? gk. 2137. Stijti.es,
Stijtlez, pr. t. sits, dwells, 104, 2213.
Styjtel, imp. set, dispose, 2252.

Stoken, p.p. secured, fastened, fixed, gk.
33,494,782,2194.

Stonay, conflict, gg. 863 ; trouble of the
mind, 1056.

Stonay, to confound, gg. 831. Stonyes,
pr. t. art astonished, aa. xxxii. 4.
Stonayed, Stonayt, Stony'ed, p. p.
confounded, astonished, gk. 1291. aa.
xlv. 9. gg. 1. 625, 821.

Stond, Stonde, time, while, aa. xlv. 9. gc
1. c. 45.

Stonded, p. t. confounded ? aa. xlvii. 4.

Stor, Store, adj. strong, gk. 1291, 1923.

gc. 122. See Stouh.
Store, n. combat, aa. lv. 11. See Stovjr.
Stotin, to cease, stop, gg. 768. Stotit,

p.t. 678.
Stottyde, p. t. stammered, aa. ix. 5.
Stound, Stoinde, Stownde, time, aa.

liv. 11. gg. 642, 929. J. 160. Stoundez,

pi. gk. 1517,1567.
Stouned, Stounnede, Stowned,^). t. was

confounded, astonished, gk. 242,301. aa.

ix. 5. See Stonay.
Stour, Stowre, Sture, adj. strong, brave,

AA.lv. 11. GG. 87, 534. J. 73. MO. 8.

Stour, Stoure, Stower, Stowre, «.

battle, conflict, aa. xliii. 6. gg. 353, 575,

624. gc. 5. j. 183. Gr.K. 46. tg. 149- c. 4.
Stourne, stout, bold, aa. xxxi. 1, MS. D.

See Sturne.
Stowt, strong, used substantively, gg. 831.
Stray-, see On-stray.
Straid, p. 1. strode, gg. 616.
Straik, n. blow, go. 929, 981.
Straik, p. t. struck, gg. 1018, 1164.
Strayne, to restrain, curb, gk. 176.
Strakande, p.pr. blowing, gk. 1364, 1923.

A hunting term. See MS. Cott. Vesp. B.

xii. f. 102b.
Straught, straight? gg. 460.
Streyte, Strijt, p. ;j. stretched, erect, aa.

xli. 13, xlii. 1.
Strenyeit, p-p. constrained, gg. 276.
Strenkel, pr. t. scatter, aa. xlvi. 5.
Strenth, to strengthen, gg. 199.
Strejt, close, tight, gk. 152.
Stry-, Strye, to destroy, gk. 2194. aa. xxi.

6, MS. D. Erroneously interpreted by

Jamieson to overcome.
Stright, straight? gg. 199.
Stry-kes, pr. t. rides, aa. xl. 4.
Strytiie, Stryththe, position of the legs

when firmly placed, stride, gk. S46, 2305.
Strothe, adj. (?) gk.1710. Possibly related to

the Middle High Dutch strut, copse, thicket.
Stubbe, stock of a tree, gk. 2293.
Stude, place? gg. 718.

414

GLOSSARY.

Stuf, strength? gg. 495.

Stuffit, p.p. tired, exhausted? gg. 830.

Stummerand, stumbling, gg. 624.

Sturne, stout, bold, ge. 143. Used sub-
stantively, 214. AA.xli. 12. See Sterne.

Sturtes, stirrups, ok. 171.

Suage, pr. t. assuage, relax, gg. 828.

Suande, following, gk. 1467.

Succeudry, presumption, proud language,
gg. 278. See Surquidre.

Sues, pr. t. follows, gk. 510. Sued, p. t.
followed, 501, 1705.

Sugette, subject, aa. xxiv. 7-

Suire, neck, gm. 129. See Swyre.

Sumxed, pp- summoned, gk. 1052.

Sundred, p. p. severed, disjoined, gk. 659.

Suppose, although, gg. 94,824.

Surfet, fault, gk. 2433.

fSuRGET, apparently an error for suget, sub-
ject, aa. xxiv. 7, MS. D. Jamieson consi-
dered it at first an heraldic term, and after-
wards, to mean a debauched woman, in
allusion to Guenever ! ! !

Surquidre, pride, gk. 2457-

Sutell, skilful, gg. 697-

Suwene, pr. t. follow, aa. vi. 2, MS. D. See
Sew.

Swang, p. t. swung, smote, gg. 562. See
Swing.

Swange, loins? gk. 138, 2034. aa. xlviii.
6, MS. D.

Swap, blow, aa. xlii. 7-

Swap, imp. exchange,, gk. 1108. Swap-
ped, Swapt, p. t. struck, aa. xl. ", H»
xlvii. 6, MS. D.

Sware, square, gk. 138.

Sware, neck? gg. 1053.

Swarez, pr. t. answers, gk. 1766. Swar-
ed, p. t. answered, 1793, 2011.

Swathel, strong man, aa. xlii. 7.

Sweyed, p. t. moved, pressed, gk. 1429.

Swenges, pr. t. starts, gk. 1756. Swen-
gen, pr. t. proceed, move quickly, 1615.
Swenged, p. t. rushed, 1439. See MS.
Cott. Nero A. x., ff. 58b, 66.

Swere, p. t. swore, gk. 1825.

Swete, n. suit, gk.2518.

Swete, fl(//. used substantively, knight or lady

being understood, gk. 1108, 1222.
Swete, p. t. sweated, gk. 180.
Swethled, p.p. folded, gk. 2034.
Sweuenes, dreams, gk. 1756.
Swej, pr. t. follows, gk. 1562. See Sew.
Sweje, p. t. stooped, gk. 1796.
Swyerez, squires, gk.824.
Swykes, pr. t. acts treacherously, aa. xlii.

7. Jamieson explains it falsely, to cause

to stumble.

SwiLKE, SWYLK, SwYLKE, SUch, AA. V. 13,

xxiii. 13,xxvi. 9.
Swilled, p. t. washed ? akc 276.
Swyng, to strike, gg. 828.
Swyngez, pr. t. rushes, gk. 1562. See

Swenges.
Swinke, to labor, tg. 103.
Swyre, neck, throat, gk. 138, 186, 957.

aa. xl. 7, MS. D.
Swith, Swithe, Swythe, quickly, GK. 8,

815, 1424, 2259. GG. 380. tg. 312 ;

greatly, earnestly, gk. I860, 1866, 1897.
Swythely, quickly, or much, gk. 1479.
Swoghe, quiet, gk. 243.
Swoghes, pr. t. flow with noise ? aa. v. 3.
Swounding, swooning, gt.k. 269.

T.

Ta, one, gg. 904.

Tabernacles, ornamental work in archi-
tecture, gc. 610.

Tablet, table-cloth ? aa. xxxi. 11, MS. D.

Tablez, corbels ? gk.789.

Tachez, pr. t. fastens, gk. 2176. Tached,
Tachched,^.^. attached, fixed, 2 1 9, 25 1 2.

Tade, toad, aa. ix. 10, MS. D.

Taghte, p. t. took, aa. li. 6.

Takis, imp. take thou, aa. xiv. 1.

Takles, garments? gk. 1129.

Tale, speech, discourse, gk. 1236.

Talenttyf, desirous, gk. 350.

Talkkande, talking, gk. 108.

Tane, one, gg. 1131. See Price's Note on
Warton, ii. p. 496.

GLOSSARY.

415

Tane, to take, gc. 203. Tas, Ta, Tan, pr. t.
913, 977, 1920, 2305. Ta, Tas, imp. 413,
1390, 1811. Tan, Tane, y./>. 490, 1210,
2488. oo. 910. c. 173.

Tape. Tappk, stroke, rap, gc. 406, 2357.

Tapit, carpet, gk. 568; table? 884. Ta-
pites, Tapytez, pi. tapestry, 77,858.

Tars, is stated by Du Cange to mean
Tliorsia, a country adjoining to Cathay,
but not to be confounded with Tartary.
See his Glossary, v. Tartarimts. In gk.
77, 858, it is named as the place where
tapestries were manufactured, and in 571
a rich silk must be understood. The
phrase is met with in Chaucer, and in
the alliterative Morte Arthure, f. 87.

Tasee, clasp, fibula, aa. xxviii. 4. MS. D.
reads Tasses, in the plural, which Ja-
mieson erroneously interprets girdles.

Tathe, pr. t. takest, gk. 2357-

Tathis, fragments, gg. 913.

Taughte, p. t. gave, AA.xlvii. 7.

Taujt, p.p. behaved, mannered, gc. 328.

Taysed, p.p. driven, harassed, gk. 1169.

Tayt, fair, plump? gk. 1377. See MS.
Cott. Nero A. x. f. 69.

Tajt, Tajtte, p. t. taught, gk. 1485, 2379.

Teccheles, blameless, gk. 917-

Tech, disposition, quality, gk. 2488.
Teckes, pi. 2436.

Tedder-stakes, stakes driven into the
ground to which horses or cattle are te-
thered, c. 185. Still used in the North.

Teir, Ter, Tere, tedious, irksome, aa. x.
4. gg.213, 898, 1341. See Tor.

Teirfull, tedious, fatiguing, gg. 33, 42,
760.

Telde, mansion, habitation, gk. 1775.
Teldes, pi. 11.

Teldet, p. t. set up, gk. 1648. Telded,
Teldede, p. p. set up, built, 795, 884 ;
covered, aa.xxx. 9.

Temes, stories, themes? gk.1541.

Tf.myt, p. t. emptied, gg. 756.

Tend, tithe, tenth, gg. 760.

Tf.ne, n. sorrow, mischief, gk. 22. aa. xxii.

9 ; trouble, gk. 1008 ; anger, aa. xl. 5,

xlvii. 7-
Tene, adj. difficult of passage, perilous, fa-
tiguing, gk. 1707, 2075. GG. 33.
Tene, to grieve, gk. 2002. Tenez, pr. I.

troubles, matters, 547- Tened, p. /.

grieved, 2501 j p.p. molested, II69.
Teneful, grievous, aa. xlvii. 7, MS. D.
Tenelyng, trouble? gk. 1514.
Tent, 11. intent, care, attention, gk. 624.

aa. xiii.9, MS. D. gg. 149.
Tent, to pay attention, gg. 342. Tented,

p. t. took care of, gk. 1018.
Tenteth, pr. t. contenteth, c. 129.
Teugh, Tewch, tough, gg. 704, 1069. In

the latter instance it is used in a phrase

by no means unusual, meaning to make

difficulties. See Tyrwhitt's Gloss, in v.

Tough.
Teynd, (?) gg. 1083.
Tha, the, gk. 1069.
Thai, Thay, those, gg. 218, 365, 737.
Thairtill, thereto, gg. 1296.
Than, when, gg. 1186.
Thane, perhaps ace. case of Me, aa. xxvi. 3.
Thar, Thare, pr. t. need, gk. 2354. aa.

xiv. 1, MS. D.
That, used for what, gk. 1406 ; joined with

a noun in the plural, those, gg. 339, 1153.

gc. 221,426.
Tha;, though, gk. 350,438,467. See TH03.
Thede, Theid, country, land, kingdom, gk.

1499. gg. 174,345,435.
Theder, thither, gk. 935.
Thee, to thrive, Gr.K. 73.
Then, than, gk. 24, 236, 655.
Ther, There, where, gk. 353,428, 874.
Ther-forne, therefore, gk. 1107. Ther-

tyke, thereto, 1110, 1369.
Thewes, Thewez, manners, gk. 912, 910.
Thine, Thyne, thence, gg. 229, 1313.
Thinkkez, Thynk, Thynke, Thynkes,

Thynkkez, pr. t. seems, gk. 1111, 1241,

1481,1793,2109. aa.xxv. 10.
Thir, these, aa. viii. 6, xxviii. 9. gg. 5715

et sapius.

416

GLOSSARY.

This, Thise, Thyse, these, gk. 42, 114,

654,1514. aa.1v. 7. gg. 1194.
Tho, perhaps a mistake for The, gk. 39,

1419-
Tho, those, gk. 68,466. aa. xx, 3. c.382.
Thoe, then, tg. 246. c. 398.
Thof, though, gk. 624.
Thoght, though, gg. 210, 501,575.
Tholed, p. t. suffered, gk. 1859,2419.
Thoxke, «. thank, gk. 1984. Thonk,

Thonkkez, pi. 1031, 1380.
Thohe, there, gk. 667.
fTnowE, then, Gr.K. 370.
Tho;, though, gk. 69. See Thaj.
Thojt, p. t. seemed, gk. 49, 803, 819, 870.
Tiiha, Thraw, bold, gg. 60. tg. 34. See

Thro.
Thrang, battle, melee, gg. 345, 709.
Thrang, p. t. crowded, pressed, gg. 60.
Thrast, p. t. thrust, gk. 1443.
Thrat, p. t. threatened, gk. 1713 ; urged ?

1980.
Thrawex, p.p. bound, twisted, gk. 194. .
Thrawen, adj. brawny? gk. 579.
Threpe, chiding, gk. 1S59, 2397-
Threpez, pr. I. chides, reproves, gk. 504.
Threted, p. t. threatened, gk. 1725.
Thrich, n. push, rush, gk. 1713.
Thril, slave, gg.435.
Thriuand, Thryuande, hearty, gk. 1980;

successful, gg.345.
Thriuandly, Thryuandely, heartily, gk.

1080, 1380 ; prosperously, gg. 435.
Thro, Throe, earnest, eager, gk.645, 1021,

1713, 1751, 1868, 1946 ; bold, confident,

2300. Gr.K. 470. c. 151. SeeTHRA.
Throly-, earnestly, gk. 939.
Thronge, p. t. thrust, crowded, gk. 1021.
Throwe, time, while, gk. 16S0, 2219.
Throwex, p. p. plump? gk. 1740. See

Thrawen.
Thrubchandler, Trubchandler, (?)

AKC. 120, 169.
Thryes, thrice, gk. 1936.
Thryngez, pr. t. crowdest, gk. 2397.
Thrynxe, three, gk. 1868.

Thryuen, p. p. well-favored, gk. 1740.
Thryjt, p. t. threw, gk. 1443 j p.p. given,

1946.
Thulged, p. t. endured, gk. 1859.
Thurled, p. t. pierced, gk. 1356.
Thur3,Thur3e, through, above, gk. 91, 243,

645, et pass.
Thujt, p. t. thought, gk. 843, 848.
Thwarle, tight, hard, gk. 194. Wharl-

knut is still used in the same sense in

Lancashire.
Thwong, thong, gk. 194. Thwonges,^/.

579.
Thy, therefore, gk. 2247.
Tyber, the river Tiber in Italy, aa. xxii. 9,

MS. D. The reading of the Lincoln MS.

proves how far wide of the truth Jamieson

was, in conjecturing the word to mean

warrior.
Tyde, to betide, gg. 1083. Tydez, /.,-. t.

1396.
Tyffen, p. t. array, put in order, gk. 1129.
Tight, Tyghte, Ty;t, p. p. fastened, tied,

gk. 568, S58. aa. xxviii. 4 ; accoutred,

gg. 197 ; made, built, 526 ; prepared, 744 ;

undertaken? 898.
Til, Tille, Tylle, to, gk. 673, 1979. aa.

xxviii. 9. gg. 1163. gc 506.
Tyld, tent, mansion, gg. 356. See Telde.
Tymber, Timbire, to cause, build up, aa.

xxii. 9. See Rit6on's Gloss. Metr. Rom.

in v.
Tynt, p. p. lost, gg. 993.
Typoun, type, pattern, gk. 1540.
Tit, Tite, Ti;t, Tyt, Tyte, promptlv,

speedily, gk. 31, 299, 1596. aa. xiii. 9,

MS. D. gg. 756. gc 357. c. 393. See

Astyt.
Tytelet, commencement, chief, gk. 1515.
Titleres, hounds, gk. 1726.
Tyxt, text, gk. 1515, 1541.
Tyjt, p. t. undertake? gk. 2483. See

Tight.
To, too, gk. 1827- J- 60 ; till, aa. xxxix. 5.

GG. 306, 754.
To-brake, p. t. brake in pieces, gc. 398.

GLOSSARY.

417

To-dyoht, to occasion, cause, i. 112. See

DlJT.

To-fylched, p. t. seized, pulled down, gk.

1172.
To-flen, to flee, GC. 210.
To-hewe, to cut in pieces, gk. 1S53.
Toke, p. t. gave, gc. 294.
Tole, weapon, gk.413, 2260.
Tolke, man, gk. 1775, 1811, 1966. See

Tdlk.
Tome, leisure, aa. xxv. 2, MS.D.
To-morn, To-morne, to morrow, gk. 548,

756, 1097.
Tone, p.p. betaken, committed, gk. 2159.
Toppyng, mane ? gk. 191.
Tor, Tore, tedious, difficult, gk. 165, 719.

aa. xv. 8. See Teir.
To-raced, p.p. run down, gk. 1168.
Toret, p.p. turreted, gk. 960.
Torfeir, hardship, gg. 876.
Tornayeez, pr. t. turns, wheels, gk. 1767.
Tornayle, task? gk. 1540. Perhaps we

should read Toruayle, labor, from Isl.

torvelldr.
Torris, towers, gg. 42 ; high rocks, 42. In

this last sense it is still used in the North,

but Jamieson blunders at it, more suo.
Tortors, turtles, gk. 612.
To-stiffilit, p. p. overthrown, gg. 625.

See Brockett, v. stavelling.
To-TACHCHED,p.p. fastened, tied, gk. 579.

See Tachez.
Totes, pr. t. peeps, gk. 1476.
To-turnit, p. t. turned ? gg. 704.
-fTow, two, to. 35.
Towchez, covenants ? gk. 1677.
Towes, p.p. fatigued, gk. 1093.
Tojt, promptly ? gk. 1869.
Trace, path, business, j.442.
Trayfoles, knots, devices, aa. xl. 3.
Trayfolede, p.p. ornamented with knots,

aa. xl. 3. The MS. D. reads trifeled.

From the Fr. treffilier, a chain. maker.
Traylez, pr. t. hunt by the track or scent,

gk. 1700.
Traist, adj. trusty, gg. 756, 913.

Traist, adv. trustily, faithfully, gg. 292,

415, 752.
Traist,;). t. pledge faith, gg. 1122. Trayst,

p.p. assured, gk. 1211.
Traistfully, faithfully, gg. 197.
Traistly, trustily, securely, gq. 704, 744.
Trayteres, (?) gk. 1700.
Trammes, stratagems, gk. 3.
Tranes, devices, knots, aa. xl. 3, MS. D.
Trantes, pr. t. employs artifices or tricks,

gk. 1707. See Totcneley Mysteries, v.

Trant, which is left unexplained in the

Glossary.
Tras, Trase, track of game, aa. v. 11, xlvii.

12, MS. D.
Trased, Trasit, p. p. twined, gk. 1739;

confounded ? gq. 675.
Trauayl, fatigue, labor, gk. 2241. Tra-

valis, pi. gg. 898.
Trauayled, Traualit, Trauelde, p.p.

travelled, gk. 1093 ; fatigued, aa. li. 6.

GG. 34.
Traunt, trick, gk. 1700. See Trantes.
Trauthe,Traweth,Tr a wthe, troth, faith,

fidelity, gk.403, 626, 1050, 1545, 1638.
Trawe, to believe, gk. 70, 94. Thawe,

pr. t. 1396. Trawe, imp. trust, 2112.

See Trowe.
Trejeted, p.p. marked, adorned, gk. 960.
Trentalles, service of thirty masses, aa.

xvii. 10.
Tressoub, head-dress, gk. 1739.
Trest, firmly, trustily, gg. 526.
Trestes, Trestez, trestles, supports of a

table, gk. 884, 1648.
Trete, row, array, aa. xxviii. 3.
Tretid, p. t. entreated, gg. 1066.
Treux, truce, gg. 572.
Trew, truce, gg. 1122.
Trewloues, Trewluffes, Trulofez,

true-love knots, gk. 612. aa. xxviii. 3,

xl. 3.
Tricherie, treachery, gk. 4.
Tryed, p.p. fine, costly, good, ge. 77, 219.
Trifeled, see Trayfolede.
Triste, appointed station in hunting, aa.

418

GLOSSARY.

iii. 11. Tristis, pi. aa. iii. 8/9. See Ma-
lory's Morte d' Arthur, vol. ii. p. 355.
Tryster, station in hunting, gk. 1712.

Tristors, Tristres, Trysteres, pi. GK.

1146,1170. aa. iii. 8, 9, MS. D.
Trystyly, faithfully, gk. 2348.
tTRYUE for Thryue, gc. 315.
Trochet,(?) a term of architecture, gk.795.
Trofelyte, p. p. ornamented with knots,

aa. xxviii. 3. See Trayfolede.
Trowe, to believe, gk. 2238. Trowe,

pr. t. 813. Trowe, imp. gc. 129. See

Trawe.
True, (?) gk. 1210.
Trumpes, Trumpez, trumpets, gk. 116,

1016.
Trussen, pr. t. pack up, gk. 1129.
Trwe, true, gk. 1091, 1514, 1845.
Trwluf, Trweluf, true love, gk. 1527,

1540.
Tuglit, p.p. toiled, fatigued, go. 34.
Tule, (?) gk. 568. See the next word.
Tuly, seems to be equivalent, gk. 858, to

Toulouse, 77 ; which place seems then to

have been famed for its tapestries.
Tulk, man, knight, gk. 3, 638, 2133.

Tulkes, pi. 41. See Tolke.
Turatis, turrets, gg.42.
tTuRNYGE for Turnynge, tournaying, aa.

xl. 5.
Turssit, p. 1. trussed, packed, gg. 224.
Tuschez, tusks, gk. 1573, 1579.
Tweyne, Twynne, two, twain, gk. 425,

962, 1339.
Twyes, twice, gk. 1522.
Twyn, Twynne, to sever, part, gk. 2512.

gg. 1240.
Twynnen, p-p. twined, gk. 191.

U. V.

Vch, Vche, each, gk. 101, 131, 628, 995.

Vch a, each, gk. 742, 997, 1262.

Vchon, Vchone, each one, gk. 98, 657,

1113.
fUHEN, when, gc. 439, 460.

"(-Uher, Uhere, where, gc. 429, 509.

+ Uhy, why, gc.429.

Vmbe, around, about, gk. 589, 1830,
2034.

Vmbe-clipped, Vmbe-clypped, p. t. en-
circled, embraced, gk. 616. aa. x. 2,
MS. D.

Vmbe-foldes, pr. t. encircles, falls about,
gk. 181.

Vmbe-kesten, p. t. surrounded, gk.
1434.

Vmbe-lappez, pr. t. enfolds, gk. 628.

Umbe-teje, p. I. inclosed, gk. 770.

Vmbe-torne, about, around: gk. 184.

Vmbe-weued, p. . inclosed, gk. 581.

Vmbyclede, p.p. surrounded, aa.x. 2.

Vmstrode, p. t. bestrode, Gr.K.81.

Vmwylles, want of will, refusal, aa. xxxiii.
8, MS. D. Perhaps agayne in this line is
an error for at. See Vn-thankes.

Vnabasit, p.p. undaunted, gg.496.

Vn-bene, rugged, impassable, gk. 710.
See Bene.

Vnblythe, mournful, gk. 746.

Vncely, mischievous, gk. 1562.

Vn-clere, cloudy, dark, aa. x. 2.

Vncoutb, strange, marvellous, gk. 93,
1808.

Vnder, Vndre, Vnbrone, Vndronne,
Vndure-none, nine o'clock in the fore-
noon, aa. vi. 7, xvii. 7. gc 119.

Vn-dyjt, p.p. undressed, gc. 453.

Vndo, to cut up game ; a hunting term,
gk. 1327.

Vnethe, Vnneth, Vnnethes, scarcely,
gk. 134. aa. Ii. 7. Gr.K. 407.

Vnfane, adj. sorrowful, gg. 795.

Vn-fayne, adv. unwillingly, aa.vu. 1.

Vnfild, p. p. not blown : gg. 352.

Vnfrende, enemy, gg. 1239.

Vnhap, misfortune, gk.438, 2511.

Vnhardeled, ;j. t. dispersed, gk. 1697.
From the Fr. hardelle, troupe. See the
Maister of the Game, f. 100b, MS. Cott.
Vesp. B. xii.

Vnhendely, uncourteously, aa. xv. 5.

GLOSSARY.

419

Yxlace, to cut up; a hunting term, gk.
1606. Vxlaissis, pr. t. unfasten, qg.
369. Vnlaissit, p.p. unclothed, 294.

Vx-lamyt, p.p. uninjured, gg. 442.

V.nlele, disloyal, gg. 1107.

VNLEUTB, disloyalty, gk.2499.

Vx-louked, p.t. unlocked, gk. 1201.

Vnlussum, uncourteous, gg. 95.

Vn-mete, immense, gk. 208.

Vxquart, uneasiness, gg. 675. It is ap-
plied to horses, therefore can scarcely be
interpreted sadness, with Jamiesou.

Yxryde, cruel, severe, gg. 630.

Vx-rydely, ruggedly, gk. 1432.

Vxruse, trouble, disquiet, gg. 499.

Vxsaught, ;>.;). troubled, at strife, gg. 456.

Vx-slayn, p.p. not slain, gk. 1858.

Vx-slyje, careless, gk. 1209.

Yxsovxd. n. trouble, sorrow, gg. 590.

Vxsouxd, adj. sorrowful, gg. 638.

Vxsovxdyly, mischievously? gk. 1438.
See MS. Cott. Nero A. x. f. 59b.

Vx-sparely, unsparingly, gk. 979-

Vnspukd, p.p. unasked, gk.918.

Vxstoxait, p.p. not confounded, gg.642.

Vn-thaxkes, displeasure, adverse of will,
AA.xxxiii. 8.

Vx-thryuande, uncourteous, gk. 1499.

Vxtille, unto, aa. liv. 13.

Vxtyjtel, merrily ? gk. 1114.

Vx-trawthe, unfaithfulness, gk. 2383.

Vp-brayde, p.p. drawn up, gk. 781.

Vpon, at, gk. 9, 301, 1934.

Vrysoun, gk. 608. Since I wrotethenote
on this term, p. 317, I have met with two
original documents, which confirm my
conjecture as to the correctness of the
term hourson, and its signification. The
first is a receipt from Guillaume de Leiry,
embroiderer and armourer, for forty-five
frans d'or, paid by Charles of Navarre,
" pour la facon d'une cote d'armes, et un
hourson tout de velinau vermeil et asur,
qu'ilafait de broderie pour le dit seignur,
et a ses armes," dated 8, Oct. 1378 ; and
the second is a warrant from Louis, duke
3

of Orleans, to pay to Colin Pilleur, ar-
mourer, the sum of twenty frans d'or, for
" un camail d'acier qu'il a bailie et deUivre'
pour notre bassinet, et pour avoir fait gar-
nir notre dit bassinet pardedens de satin,
de hourson, et autres estoffes pour garnir
notre hernoiz de jambes pardedens de sa-
tin," dated 9 July, 1392. The dates of
these documents, it will be observed, tend
strongly to establish the period at which
the English romance was composed.

fU", with, gc.441.

Vtter, out, outward, gk. 1565.

Vayles, veils, gk.958.

Vailyeaxd, strong, gg. 243; valiant, 1286.

Vailyeixg, of worth, worthy, gg. 328.

fVAiLL, to choose, gg. 211. See Wail.

Vayres, (?) gk. 1015.

fVAPPixs, weapons, gg. 820.

fVEDis, weeds, armour, gg. 563, 855.

fVEiR, war, gg. 549.

Vexery, science of hunting, gc. 85. or.K.
495.

Vexgeand, avenging, gg. 759.

Vextaile, Ventaill, Ventalle, move-
able piece over the mouth, in front of the
helmet, aa. xxxii. 5, xlv. 11. gg. 867.
See Avextaile.

Venterous, venturesome, Gr.K. 38, 100.

Ver, man, knight, gk. 866.

Veramext, truly, Gr.K. 32, 83, 437.

Verdure, green, gk. 161.

Verxage, kind of white wine, aa. xxxvi. 2.
See Tyrwhitt's Gloss.

Verray-, true, gg. 161, 957.

Verrys, glasses, a a. xxxvi. 2.

Vesiaxd, viewing, gg.243.

Vewters, men who tracked the deer by the
fewte or odor, gk. 1146.

Uyage, journey, expedition, gk. 535.

fViGHT, brave, gg. 325.

Vylaxy, Vylanye, fault, gk. 345, 634.

Vist, p. t. saw, gg. 494.

Voyde, to quit, gk. 346. Voydez, pr. t.
casts, 1342. Voyded, p. t. got rid of,
1518 ; p.p. void, free, 634.
h 2

420

GLOSSARY.

W.

Wa, Waa, n. mischief, sorrow, aa. v. 4.

GG. 58.
Wa, adj. sorrowful, gg. 1185.
Wade, to pass, penetrate, gg. 568.
Wage, surety ? gk. 533.
Wayemettede, p. t. lamented, aa. ix. 3.

See Wayment.
Waif, to wave, be agitated, gg. 440.
Wayke, weak, gk. 282.
Wail, choice, gg. 982.
Wail, Wale, to seek, gk. 398 ; choose or

possess, 1238. aa. xxvii. 3. gg. 1096 ;

select, gg. 361, 784. Walit, p. t. chose,

7, 549- Waled, Wailit, p. p. chosen,

gk.1276. gg. 587.
Waill, abundance? gg. 223, 1339. See

Wale.
Wayment,;). t. lamented, aa. ix. 3, MS. D.

Jamieson erroneously takes the word for

a noun. See Roquefort, v. Weimentaunts.
Waymynges, lamentations, aa. vii. 9,

MS. D.
t Wayne for Vayne, gc. 128.
Wayned, p. t. and p. p. sent? gk. 264,

9S4, 1032, 2456, 2459. See other in-
stances of this word in MS. Cott. Nero

A. x. ff. 79b, 80b, 89b.
Waynes, pr. t. strikes, aa. xlii. 2, xlviii. 3.
Waynez, pr. t. raises, gk. 1743. Wayned,

p. t. raised, aa. xxxii. 5, MS. D.
Waytez, Wayttis, pr. t. watches, looks,

gk. 1186, 2289. AA.xlviii.3. Wayted,

p. t. looked, gk. 2163.
Wayth, Wathe, game, venison, gk. 1381,

hunting, AA.xxxiv. 5.
Wayued, p. t. stroked, moved, gk. 306.
Waked, p. t. kept awake, sat up at night,

gk. 1094.
Wakkest, weakest, gk. 354.
Warned, p. t. awakened, gk. 119; lighted,

1650.
Wald, n. plain, gk. 587.
Wald, to wield, gg. 7 ; enjoy, possess, 450.

Walt, p. t. gk. 231, 485.

Wale, Walle, adj. choice, good, excellent,

gk. 1010, 1403, 1712,1759.
Walkez, pr. t. spreads, gk. 1521.
Wallande, boiling, fervent, gk. 1762.
Walour, valour, gk. 1518.
Walt, p. t. threw, cast, gk. 1336.
Waltered, p. t. rolled, gk. 684. See

Welterand.
Wan, p. t. came, gk. 2231 ; won, gained,

GG. 70.

Wande, bough, tree ? gk. 1161.

Wandreth, sorrow, aa. xvii. 8. gg. 700,
1199-

Wane, n. mansion, habitation, hall, aa.
xiii. 3, xxv. 4. GG. 211, 237, 494, 781,
1339.

Wane, adj. wanting, deficient, gk. 493.

Wanyt, p. t. diminished, gg. 1208.

Want, pr. t. fail, gt.k. 203.

Wap, blow, gk. 2249.

Wapped, p. t. flew with violence, as an ar-
row, gk. 1161; rushed, as the wind,
2004. Wappit,/) .p. thrown open quickly,
gg. 127.

War ! exclamation of the hunters, gk. 1158.
Mr. Guest explains it, erroneously, as I
judge, by fear, Hist. E. R. ii. 169. See
the Toirneley Mysteries, pp. 36,41. Thus
also in the Maister of the Game, in the
instructions for hunting the hare, the
horsemen are directed " for to kepe that
none hownde folowe to sheepe ne to other
beestis, and if thei do, to ascrie hem sore,
and bilaisshe hem wel, seying lowde,
Ware! Ware.' ha, ha.' Ware.'" MS.
Cott. Vesp. B. xii. f. 97b.

War, worse, gg. 1033.

War, Ware, aware, gk. 764, 1586 ; wary,
gc. 603.

Ware, to use, employ, gk. 402, 1235. Wa-
ret, p.p. acted, 2344.

Wary, Warry, to curse, aa. xxxiii. 7.
MS. D. gg. 1082. Waried, p. t. aa.
ix. 3, MS. D.

Warts, to protect, defend, gg. 1006.
Waryst, p.p. gk. 1094. See Were.

GLOSSARY.

421

Warly, warily, gk. 1186, 1900.
Warliest, strongest, gg. 493. Jamieson

misunderstands the word.
Warloser, more warily, gk.677.
Waiine, to forbid, prevent, GG. 253. c. 93.

See Werne.
Warp, to cast, gk. 2253. Warp, p. t.

cast, uttered, gk. 224, 1423, 2025.
Warthe, water-ford, gk. "15. See Grose's

Glossary, in v.
Wasch, to consume ? gk. 2401.
Wast, waist, gk. 144.
Waste, wilderness, gk. 2098.
Wastell, fine bread, gg. 223.
Wathe, injury, danger, gk. 2355.
Wathely, severely, mortally, aa. xxiv. 4,

liv. 3. Pinkerton misprints the word

woyeley (for wothely) which gives occasion

to Jamieson to trifle as usual.
Watj, was, gk. passim. Used for had, as

in German, 1413.
Wil VDEy, p.p. wound, bound, gk. 215.
Wax, p. t. waxed, aa. xliii. 12.
We! Ah! gk. 2185. We-loo, alas ! gk.

2208.
Wede, armour, clothing, part of the dress,

gk. 831, 1310, 2358. Wedes, Wedez,

Wedis, Wedys, pi. armour, garments,

151, 271, 861. aa. i. 9, ii. 9. gg. 759;

foliage of the groves, gk. 508.
Wede, adj. mad, aa. xliii. 12.
Wedyes, pi. bad weather, aa. xxvi. 3. Cf.

Towneley Myst. p. 98.
Wees, knights, aa. liv. 3, MS. D. See

Wy.
Weild, Welde, Welden, to possess, en-
joy, gk. 835, 837, 1064. aa. xxvii. 3,

xxxiii. 8 ; rule, gg. 1188 ; sustain, j. 163.

Weildis, Weldez, pr. t. possesses, gk.

1528, 2454. gg.781 ; rules, 174. Weild,

pr. t. rule, 151. Weild, Weildit, p. t.

possessed, had, gg. 37, 941.
Weir, doubt, gg. 469, 569.
Weir, Were, war, hostility, combat, gk.

271, 1628. aa. xxxix. 8. gg. 57, 162,

1137, 1198, 1260.

Welawylle, exceeding wild, rugged, dan-
gerous, gk. 2084.

Wela Wynne, well joyous, gk. 518. The
adv. welawynnely occurs in the same MS.
Nero A. x. f. 68b.

Wele, wealth, riches, gk. 7, 60, 1270, 1394.
gg. 73; joy, GK.485, 1371, 1767, 2490;
good fortune, 997, 2134.

Welkyn, air, sky, gk. 525, 1696.

Welle, grassy plain, sward, aa. iii. 2.

Welle, to boil, aa. xxv. 4.

Welling, boiling, tg. 239.

fWELLONY, villainy, gc. 194.

Welne;, Welneje, almost, gk. 7,867.

Welterand, rolling, gg. 469.

Welteres, pr. t. rolls, gg. 290. See Wal-
tered.

Wemeles, unhurt, gg. 99. Jamieson is
mistaken in rendering it blameless.

Wen, Wene, doubt, gg. 35,98,282.

Wend, Wende, to go, gk. 559, 1028, 1053.
gg. 57, 99. gc 515. c. 374. Wendis,
pr. t. gg. 287. Wendis, imp. 114.
Wende, p. t. gk. 900, 1161. c. 332.
Went, Wente, p. p. gone, gk. 1712.
aa. i. 9, xxxiv. 5, MS. D. gg. 1132.

Wendez, pr. t. turns, gk. 2152.

Wene, pr. t. ween, think, gk. 270, 1226.
Wenys, aa. xliv. 2. Wend, Wende,
Went, p. t. gk. 669, 1711. aa. 1. 2. gg.
1260.

Wener, fairer, gk. 945. See the Gloss, to
Molbech's edit, of the old Danish transla-
tion of the first eight books of the Old
Testament, 8vo. 1828. v. Ween.

Wenged, p. t. avenged, gk. 1518.

Wepand, weeping, gg. 973.

Wer, worse, gg. 1015. See War.

Werbelande, whistling? gk. 2004.

Werd, fate, gg. 1082. See Wyrde.

Werdez, pr. t. are, gk. 1542.

Were, had, gk. 244.

Were, p. t. wore, gk. 1928.

Were, to defend, guard, gk. 2015, 2041.
GO. 58, 1188.

Were, to make war, gg. 287.

422

GLOSSARY.

Wery, pr. t. worry, aa. v. 4.

Weryit, p. t. cursed, aa. ix. 3. See Wary.

Wern, to forbid, gc. 138, 477. Wernes,
pr. t. denies, gk. 1824. Werned, p. p.
1494. See Warne.

Wernynge, denial, gk. 2253.

Werre, war, gk. 16. Werrez, pi. 720.

Werryouris, warriors, gg. 7.

Wesaund, wind-pipe, gk. 1336.

Wesche, p. t. washed, gk. 887.

Wet, p. t. pierced ? gg. 759-

Wete, adj. (?) aa. vii. 9.

Wete, Wetene, Wette, to know, wit, aa.
viii. ll,xvi.2,xix. 3, MS. D. gc.379. See
Wiete, Wit.

Weterly, eagerly? fiercely? gk. 1706.

Weting, knowledge, aa. xix.4, MS. D.

Weuch, woe, mischief, gg. 700.

Weue, to give, gk. 1975. Weued, p. t.
2359.

Wex, p. t. waxed, gk. 319. See Wax.

Wejed, p. t. carried, gk. 1403.

Wejtht, wight, gc 375.

Wharred, p. t. made a whirring noise, gk.
2203.

What, how ? gk. 1163, 2203.

What so, whatsoever, gk. 384, 1550.

Wheder warde, whitherward, gk. 1053.

Whene, queen, gk. 74, 2492.

Whethen, Whythene, whence, gk. 871-
aa. xxviii. 12. In the second instance the
scribe of the MS. D. has incorrectly writ-
ten whelene, on which Janiieson wastes a
weak conjecture.

Whether, either of two, gk. 203.

Whight, active, gc. 563. See Wight.

Whyrlande, rushing, gk. 2222.

Whyssynes, cushions, gk. 877.

Whos, whoso, gc 256, 268.

Wy, Wyghe,Wyj, Wyje, man, knight, gk.
131, 249, 3S4, 581, 1487- aa. xxix. 1,
xxxii. 2. gg. 57, 287- Applied to God,
gk. 2441 . Wyes, Wyis, Wyjes, Wyjez,
pi. gk. 1403, 1167. aa. xxvi. 9. gg. 151.

Wich, what, gk. 918.

Wicht, brave, active, gg. 1248.

Wichtely, actively, gg. 579.

Wiete, to know, aa. xix. 3, 12. See Wete,
Wit.

Wight, Wighte, Wyght, Wyghte,
Wygjt, brave, strong, active, aa. xliv. 1,
1. 2, Hi. 11. GG. 198, 656. gc. 53. J. 287.
tg. 20. c.432. SeeWijT.

Wightelye, Wightilye, Wyghtelye,
actively, J. 144, 146. Gr.K. 200.

Wyghtenes, bravery, courage, aa.xx'i. 4.

Wyghtis, gen. c. person's, aa. ii. 9.

Wykis, corners of the mouth, gk. 1572.

Wylde, used substantively for beasts of the
chace in general, gk. 1150, 2003 ; and in
the singular number, 1167, 1586, 1900, the
words deer, boar, fox, being respectively
understood.

Wyle, Wyly, wily, gk. 1728. Used sub-
stantively, 1905.

Wilele, warily, aa. xlv. 3.

Wilfully, willingly, aa. xlix. 1.

Wylyde, wild, amorous, gk. 236".

Wylnyng, will, gk. 1546.

Wilsome, Wylsum, pleasant, fair, gk. 689-
GC.532.

Wylt, p.p. escaped, gk. 1711.

Win away, to depart from, gg. 1046.

Wynd, wind, gg. 770. Jamieson sadly mis-
interprets this line, owing to Pinkerton
having printed and for ad, which latter in
the edit. 1508 is a misprint for as.

Wyndez, pr. 1. returns, gk. 530.

Wynne, n. joy, gk. 15, 1765, 2420, MS. D.
GC.448.

Wynne, adj. goodly, gk. 1032,2430, 2456.

Wynne, to come, arrive at, gk.402, 1537.
2215. Wynnez, pr. t. proceeds, goes,
1569, 2044.

Wynne-lych, cheerful, gk. 980.

Wynt-hole, wind-hole ? gk. 1336.

Wypped, p. t. struck, gk. 2249. See Wap.

Wyrde, fate, gk. 1752, 2134, 2418. Wyrdes,
pi. 1968. See Werd.

Wirkand, making, gg. 701.

Wysse, to teach, direct, gk. 549. Wise,
Wysse, pr. t. 739. gg. 820, 1033.

GLOSSARY.

423

Wvste, Wysten, p. t. knew, gk. 461, 1087,

1435.
Wysty, (?) gk. 2189.
Wit, with, gk. 113. Wyt inne, within,

1435.
Wit, (?) gg. 1137.
Wit, Wyt, to know, learn, gk. 131,255,

1508.
Wytez, pr. t. looks on, gk. 2050.
With, Wyth, by, gk. 664, 1153, 1229,

2416.
With thi, on condition that, aa. lii. 10.
Wytis, pr. t. goes, departs, aa. xvii. 7.
Witles, Witlese, deprived of reason, gg.

573,972, 1014.
Wytterly, certainly, gc. 312.
Wyjcrest, (?) gk. 1591.
Wi$t, ii. wight, person, gk.
Wijt, Wyjt, Wyjtht, brisk, active, brave,

gk. 119, 1762. gc. 15,24,260. SeeWiGHT.
Wyjtest, bravest, gk. 261.
Wyjtly, quickly, gk. 688.
Wlonk, fair, beautiful, gk. 515, 581, 1977,

1988,2432.
Wlonkest, fairest, gk. 2025. AA.i.9, xxvii.

9, liv. 7, MS. D. Jamieson explains it

falsely by gaudily dressed and rich.
Wnma.nglit, p.p. unmangled, gg. 720.
Wod, Wode, Woud, mad with anger, gk.

22S9. AA. xlii. 2. GG. 573, 972, 1014.

WoD-WRAlTH, 770.

Won, p. /. went, gk. 787-

Wod-craftez, pi. skill in the arts of the
chace, gk. 1605.

VVod.lynd, foliage of the wood, forest, gg.
123.

Wodwos, pi. wild men, monsters, gk. 721.

Woke, p. t. watched, sate up at night, gk.
102.,.

WoLnE,tohavepowerover,AA.lii.3. MS.D.
reads at wolde, in which case it is a sub-
stantive.

+ Woled, would, gk. 1508.

Wombe, belly, gk. 144.

Won, Wone, power or will, gk. 1238. gg.
37.

Won, Wone, dwelling, mansion, chamber,
gk. 257, 736, 906, 2490. Wonez, Wo-
nus, pi. 685, 1051, 1386, 2400. gc. 520,
532. Often used for the singular.

Won, Wone, to dwell, gk. 257, 814. Wo-
nez, Wonyes, pr. t. 399, 2098. Wonde,

WONED, p. t. 50, 701, 721. W0NYD,p./>.

2114.
Wonde, to avoid, shrink back, gk. 563.

Wonde, pr. t. avoid, omit, 488.
Wonder, n. marvel? gk. 16.
Wonder, Wondere, Wondih, Wndir,

WOUNDER, WoUNDIR, WuNDIR, adv.

wondrous, gk. 2200. gg. 35, 86, 353, 930,
1002,1104. gc.34. The second of these
instances is printed wound, by mistake, in
the edit, of 1508 : on which see Jamieson's
nugce.

Wonderly, Wondirly, wondrously, GK.
787, 1025. gg. 162.

fWoNE, one, gc. 89, 297-

Wone, estimation? gk.1269; plenty, j. 495.

Wonyng, Wonnynge, dwelling, AA.XXV.4.

Wonnen, p. t. conducted, brought, gk. 831 .
Wonen, Wonnen, p. p. arrived, come,
gk. 461, 1365 ; brought, 2091.

Wont, use, custom, gk. 1 7 ; lack, want, 131.

Wont, Wontez, pr. 1. fail, fails, gk. 987,
1062.

Worde, fame, reputation, gk. 1521.

Worlde, Nature, gk. 530.

Wormez, dragons, serpents, gk. 720.

Worre, worse, gk. 1588, 1591.

Wort, herb, gk. 518.

Worth, to be, happen, gk. 238, 1202, 1214,
1302. gg. 1096. Worthez, Worthis,
pr. t. is, becomes, will or shall be, gk.
2035, 1106, 13S7. gg. 332,833, 1239.
W0RTH,W0RTHE,S«5/.be, GK. 2 127, 2374.

Worthed, Wourthit,j>.<. was, became,

485. gg. 973, 1054 j would be, GK. 2096.

Worthed, p.p. become, 678.
Worthe, worthy, gk. 559. Worthy is

used substantively, 1276, 1508.
Worthei/y, Worthily, Worthilych,

W0R3ELY, adj. worthy, honorable, gk.

424

GLOSSARY.

343. aa. xxviii. 10, xxxv. 11, MS. D.,
xxxviii. 6, xlviii. 3.
Worthy, adv. worthily, gk. 1477.
Worth yly, honorably, properly, gk. 72, 144.
Worthilieste, worthiest, aa. xxix. 1.
Wot, Woste, pr. t. know, knowest, gk. 24.

aa. xx. 1.
Wothe, harm, injury, mischief, gk. 222,

488, 1576.
Wough, Wugh, harm, mischief, gg. 1067,

1199. See Woje.
Wourdis, pr. t. becomes, will become, gg.

822. See Worth.
Wout, countenance, gg. 1278.
Wowche saf, pr. t. vouchsafe, gk. 1391.
Wowes, walls, gk. 1180.
WoxES,j)r. f. grows, waxes, gk. 5 18. Wox,
p. t. waxed, gg. 795, 1185. See Wax,
Wex.
Woje, wrong, harm, gk. 1550.
Woje, wall, gk. 858. Wojez, pi. 1650.
Wraighly, evilly, gg. 162. Jamieson in-
terprets it strangely or awkwardly.
Wraith, wrath, gg. 973.
Wraithly, wrathly, GG. 298, 563, 1014.

Cf. Raithly.
Wrake, destruction, mischief, gk. 16. aa.

xvii.8.
Wrast, adj. loud, stern, gk. 1423.
Wrast, (?) gk. 1663. See Towneley My-
steries, p. 178.
Wrast, p.p. disposed, gk. 1482.
Wrathed, p.p. ensnared ? gk. 2420.
Wreke, revenge, J.424.
Wrejande, reviling, gk. 1706. See Grose,

v. Wree.
Wrightis, carpenters, go. 469.
Wro, obscure corner, gk. 2222.
Wroth, Wrothe, angry, violent, gk. 70,

319,525,1706.
Wroth, p. t. moved round, gk. 1200.
Wrothely, angrily, gk. 2289.
Wrotheloker, more angrily, GK.2344.
fWRouGHT for Raught, reached, akc. 202.
Wrojt, WR0jTEN,j3.r. occasioned, gk.3,22.
Wrucked, p.p. thrown up, akc. 187.

Wruxled, p.p. clad, folded? gk. 2191.
Wugh, see Wough.
Wundir, see Wonder.

Y.

Yard, staff, akc 246.

Yare, adj. ready, tg. 101. c. 114.

Yare, jare, adv. quickly, soon, gk. 2410.

Gr.K. 318 ; ere, previously, tg. 126, 137.
Yarnyng, desire, gg. 426.
Yeftys, gifts, Gc. 643.
Yeid, p. t. went, gg. 228, 1116.
Yelde, p. t. requite, gc 527, 529.
Yene, see Eghne.
Yhit, yet, gg. 95.

Yhude, Yude, p. t. went, gg. 304, 577.
Ynd, India, Gr.K. 281.
Yode, p. t. went, j. 87. tg. 77.
Yoldin, p.p. yielded, gg. 1126.
Yrne, iron, gk. 2267.
Yrnes, harness, armour, gk. 729.
Yude, see Yhude.
Y3E, eye, gk. 198. gc. 324. Yjen, pi. gk.

82,304,684.

jayned, p.p. hallooed, gk. 1724.
•f-JAMEDE, apparentlyan errorfor jamerede,

p. t. cried, aa. vii. 9.
jamers, pr. t. cries, aa. vii. 9, MS. D.
jamyrly, lamentably, aa. vii. 8.
3Arande, jarrande, loud, snarling, gk.

1595,1724.
jare, see Yare.
jarkkez, pr. t. makes ready, disposes, gk.

2410. 3arked, p.p. made ready, 820.
jauland, yelling, aa. vii. 8, MS. D.
jaule, jaules, pr. t. howl, yells, gk. 1453.

AA.vii.9, MS. D.
jE,yea,GK. 813, 1091,1497; still, ever,1729.
3EDE, 3EDEN,/).?. went, gk. 817, 1122, 1400,

1684.
jederly, promptly, soon, gk. 453, 1215,

1485,2325.

GLOSSARY.

425

}EFE, 3EYFE, if, GC. 198, 388.

)elde, jeldez, pr. t. yield, requite, yields,

pays, gk.498, 1038, 1215, 1263. jelde,

jelden, p. t. yielded, gave, 67, 1595,

1981.
;elle, pr. t. yell, gk. 1453.
!ELPYXG, pomp, ostentation, gk.492.
;ep, jepe, active, alert, gk. 60, 105, 284,

1510; fair? 951.
jeply, promptly, gk. 1981, 2244.
?er, year, gk. 60, et alib.
iERx, jern-e, quickly, gk.498; earnestly,

eagerly, 1478, 1526. aa. xlviii. 3.
;ebnes, jiRNEZ,^>r. t. passes ? gk. 498, 529.
?et, jette, yet, gk. 776, 1122.
$EjE,/>r. t. ask, gk. 1215. jejed, p. t. asked,

67.

jif, if, gk. 1494, 1496.

JIRNEZ, See JERNES.

;od, p.t. went, gk. 1146.

30L, Christmas, gk. 284, 500.

jolden'. p.t. yielded, gk. 453, 820. See

;elde.
jollande, howling, yelling, AA.vii. 8.
jolje, yellow, tawny, gk. 951.
jomerand, moaning, whining, aa. vii. 8,

MS. D.
jomerly, lameutahly, piteously, gk. 1453.
jonge, younger one, gk. 951.
jonge-jer, youth, gk. 492.
jonke, young person, gk. 1526.
jore, long time, gk. 2114.
t?owE, your, gk. 1092.

CORRECTIONS AND ADDITIONS.

P. 7, 1. 107, for (tit read ftif.

P. 12, 1. 251, for for-rad read for rad.

P. 12, 1. 256, insert a comma after Nay.

P. 15, 1. 343, dele the comma after worpilych, and insert it after je.

P. 15, 1. 353, for the semicolon substitute a full stop, and 1. 357, for the comma place

a semicolon.
P. 17, 1. 395, for J>» read \>\

P. 17, 1. 417, insert a comma at the end of the line, and in the next line after hede.
P. 21, 1. 535, for anio9 read anio5.
P. 22, 1. 561, for the comma place a full stop.
P. 22, 1. 563, a note of interrogation would be better after wonde.
P. 23, 1. 591./or ou° (sic in MS.) read ou]>9.

P. 27, 1. 700, insert a comma after Holy-hede, and dele it after bonk.
P. 29, 1. 763, insert commas after felf and fegge.
P. 32, 1. 850, for chefly read chefly.
P. 33, 1. 859, insert commas after fete and flet.
P. 33, 1. 862, for hem in the 3IS.perhaps we should read hym.
P. 34, 1. 882, for be-fete read he fete.

P. 34, 1. 893, for ayfawes read ay fawes, and for fleje) (sic MS.) read fleje.
P. 38, 1. 101 8, for paueture read paueture.
P. 44, 1. 1174, dele t/ie comma after abloy.
P. 48, 1. 1264-5-6, for the comma substitute a semicolon after nobele, and in the

next line a comma instead of the semicolon, after dedej, arid in the

third a semicolon for the comma, after nyfen.
3 i 2

428 CORRECTIONS AND ADDITIONS.

P. SO, 1. 1337, for fcharp read fcharp.

P. 52, 1. 1378, for fchyrer {sic MS.) ive should read fchyre, and grete is an error

of the press for grece. Cf. 11. 425, 2313.
P. 52, 1. 1402, for e read J>e.

P. 54, 1. 1442, svpjdy the defect in the MS. by And euere.
P. 54, 1. 1 443-4, the hiatus may be restored with certainty, For ]>re at and fped hym.

I am indebted for this suggestion to the Rev. R. Garnett.
P. 55, 1. 1466, for roue} read rone;.
P. 56, 1. 1513, for lellayk read lei layk.
P. 58, 1. 1565, for maden read made.
P. 59, 1. 1572, dele the conjectural reading, as unnecessary.
P. 59, 1. 1580, in this line and seems wanting after wat;.
P. 60, 1. 1623, a verb is apparently wanting after lorde.
P. 66, 1. 1794, for kyffe read kyffe.
P. 67, 1. 1815, so reads the MS., but the sense woidd seem to require nade or

nojt.
P. 72, 1. 1940, insert a comma after ;e.
P. 75, 1. 2035, dele the comma after f ilke.
P. 76, 1. 2059, for {(read if.
P. 77, 1. 2083, for fchowned read fehowued.
P. 77, 1. 2162, dele the conjectural reading. In the ancient manuscript romances of

the Round Table the name of Hector des Mares, (as printed in

Malory,) the natural son of king Ban, is always written Hestor.
P. 82, 1. 2220, for a wharf read a-wharf.
P. 84, 1. 2293, for fton read fton.
P. 85, 1. 2308, for refcowe read refcowe.
P. 85, 1. 2321, dele the comma after worlde.
P. 86, 1. 2335, for dernely read deruely.
P. 86, 1. 2344, dele the comma after haf.
P. 88, 1. 2392, for of read of.

P. 89, 1. 2420, substitute a semicolon for the comma after wyles.
P. 90, 11. 2446, 2452, perhaps Morgne shotdd be printed Morgue, as in the French

romances.
P. 90, 1. 2447, dele the comma after clergye.

P. 90, 1. 2461, for gomen, (sic MS.) we should probably read gome.
P. 97, iv. 2. The lines have been, by mistake of the printer, numbered erroneously

from this place, and the stanzas are therefore always referred to in

the Glossary. The total number of lines in the poem is 716.

CORRECTIONS AND ADDITIONS. 429

P. 97, iv. 5, for fort'othle read forfothte, which is, apparently, an error for forlbthe.
P. 99, vii. 6, for efte we should no doubt read lowefte.

P. 100, '*• 5, for ftottyde read ftottyde.

P. lit), xxv. 9, for medecyea read medecyni b.

P. Ill, xxvi. 9, |>aire is evidently <i mistake of the scribe for )>ai.

P. 112, xxi\. 6, perhaps The is here superfluous.

P. 115, xxxiii. 1, 2, transjwse the points at the conclusion of these two lines.

P. 123, xlviii. I, for clenly MS. D. reads kenely.

P. 127, lv. 6, Yglande, sic M S. for Ynglande.

P. 131. This Romance is reprinted from the re-impression made at Edinburgh, 4to,
1827, but it was not observed, till too late, that most of the mere
errors of the press in the old edition of 1508 were there corrected.
The emendations therefore now made are such as escaped the no-
tice of the recent editor, or were neglected by him.

P. 137, 1. 166, for And we should, no doubt, read In.

P. 138, 1. 191, the edition of 1 508 reads consing, not cousing.

P. 141, 1. 261, for ye read )>e.

P. 143, 1. 300, for mynde («ic edit.) we should read myude.

P. 161, 1. 779, for fen fpeir the editor of 1827 conjectures fen ye fpeir, but I think my
own emendation mare correct.

P. 174, 1. 11 18, for fcheth read fcheith; the edit. 1508 has fchelth.

P. 178, 1. ]227, for led we should perhaps read ledis.

P. 180, 1. 1271, for luffum read luffum.

P. 181, 1. 1299,_/br That the sense seems to require And.

P. 181, 1. 1300, the edit. 1508 has wounyn, not wounen, and in the next line for-
lonne, not fortonne.

P. 182, 1. 1332, for be hald read behald.

P. 182, 1. 1334, the edit. 1508 has douffipere, which was altered injudiciously in edit.
1827.

P. 187, 1. 9, for ftronge (sic MS.) we should read ftrange.

P. 194, 1. 259, for hjythet we should read hyjtht.

P. 196, 1. 328, for knyjtt9 the sense requires knyjt.

P. 200, 1. 465, G. is perhaps superfluous.

P. 225, 1. 45, for both blytli & blee ice should probably read so bright of blee.

P. 228, 1. 125,/or eu ye read euDye.

P. 229, 1. 166, the inverted commas slwuld be placed before Kay.

P. 240, 1. 469, for shoutest read ahontest.

P. 252, I. 231, in the margin, for inviffible read inviffible.

430 CORRECTIONS AND ADDITIONS.

P. 283, 1. 205, for wifn read wifh.

P. 289, 1. 18, the seems to be wanting.

P. 298b, 1. 62. The name of Gromer Somer Joure would seem to have been taken

from the printed Morte d Arthur, (vol. ii. p. 392, ed. Southey,)

and, consequently, prove the poem to be later than the year 1485.

The correct reading is Gromer Gromerson, or Gromorssum, as

appears from vol. i. p. 231.
P. 298*, 1. 300. In reference to Gyngolyne, (see p. 347) may be added the title of

the romance in the Lambeth MS. 305, f. 73. " A tretys of one

Gyngelayne, othirwise namyd by Kyng Arthure Ly beus disconeus,

that was bastard son to Sir Gaweyne."

NOTES.

P. 304, 1. 26. A third portion of the same romance, but imperfect at the beginning
and end, is preserved in a MS. in Trinity College, Dublin, marked
D. 4. 12. It is written in a late hand of the fifteenth century,
and commences towards the end of the third passus, and ends in
the middle of the twelfth. It occupies forty quarto leaves.

P. 307, 1. 12, for Helie de Borron read Walter Map, and dele the remainder of the
sentence.

P. 310, last line. In addition to the references here given, Jones's Relicks of the
Welsh Bards, 4to, Lond. 1794, p. 108, contains a notice of this
Christmas play, as performed in Oxfordshire.

P. 318, 1. 30. Consult also Thorns' Notes on Aubrey, in the Anecdotes and Tradi-
tions, 4to, 1839, p. 98, published by the Camden Society.

P. 319, 1. 31. In a collection of Welsh arms made in 1560, and printed in Owen's
British Remains, 8vo, 1777, Gwalchmai ab Gwyar is said to bear
" Quarterly, ermines and ermine, afess argent," p. 49.

P. 320, 1. 13. An abridgement of this legend may be found inserted in the
Chronicle of John of Glastonbury, printed by Hearne, vol. i. p. 77,
8vo, 1726.

P. 320, 1. 27, for sixteenth read fourteenth.

P. 330, 1. 27. In the Roman de Lancelot, vol. iii. f. xlvb. Cardueil in Galles is
distinguished from Carlyon.

P. 332, 1. 27. Malory's authority is to be found in the Roman de Lancelot, vol. iii.
f. cxciiib, edit. 1513.

CORRECTIONS AND ADDITIONS. 431

P. 341, 1. II. Since I wrote this note I have found Arthur's expedition to Jeru-
salem mentioned in one of the interpolated passages of Nennius,
ap. Gale, cap. 63. He is stated to have caused a consecrated cross
to be made, by which he conquered the Pagans, and of which
portions were preserved at Wedale in Lothian. Also in the Ro-
man d' Alexandre, composed by Alexandre de Paris in the twelfth
century, he makes Arthur march to the extremity of the East, and
erect two golden statues, which were subsequently discovered by
Alexander. See De la Rue, Essais sur ks Bardes, vol. i. p. 35.

P. 344, 1. "I, for professor read possessor.

P. 344, 1. penult., for at the close of the reign of Henry the Sixth read in the reign
of Edward the Fourth.

GLOSSARY.

P. 371, v. Brauded. Add to the reference, xxxv. 2, MS. D.

P. 376, v. Derfly. Add Iiere Deruely, gk. 2334, and dele the word and reference

under Dernly.
P. 379, v. Este. Dele this word and reference.

N.B. The last poem in the Appendix, No. VIII. was discovered too late to be cited
in the Glossary, but there are but few words of any obscurity, and most of these
appear to be corrupt forms occasioned by the carelessness of the scribe, as in the case
of lute, 1. 238, and scott, 1. 477.

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